“If love trumps hate, then why are you hating?” I read this on my Facebook feed about two days after Trump was elected President of our nation, and I could not be more ecstatic that someone finally wrote it. Since the beginning of the election season, social media has been a haven for people to post politically opinionated explosions of anger and name calling. After the election results, I could not even view my social media feed on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest because of the overwhelming bombardment of political vomiting, hate messages, and people trending the recently popular #NotMyPresident in reference to Trump. Frankly, I’m livid, not because of the results of the election but because of the outright immaturity shown towards Trump’s win. Now, I do not easily get angered or frustrated. I am aware the results of the election disappointed many, but I am disappointed in the amount of negativity and physical violence I have witnessed from my fellow Americans, especially those who call themselves Christians.

I apologize if this article is offensive in any way, but someone needs to state the truth about politics and social media. I’m just not afraid to actually say it. You may want to be resentful and point fingers saying, “She’s must be a typical Trump supporter.” However, hear me out, read, and reflect on the message I’m trying to get across. I promise I am not trying to state my political opinions or shame anyone for their actions. However, with this article, I want to open the eyes of many to hopefully help them see the bigger picture. I am actually still attempting to understand everything I am writing about. We are all at fault, and we are all still learning. However, I do have to give you a warning; I am brutally honest. Despite your political thoughts, I hope that you can learn more about yourself and the world around you through this perspective on the topic.

Whether we are a Trump or Hilary supporter, we need to be aware of why we upload political diatribes to social media. It is obvious that some posts are fueled out of hatred and impulsiveness to simply antagonize and create disturbance and debates. These posts come from a narcissistic, dark place in people’s hearts. These people do not actually care about politics or other’s opinions, just as long as they have the buzz circulating around their posts. I do recognize that some people write their opinions to learn more about the subject and discover various perspectives from others. However, those who are simply posting venomous messages, having no value, are simply trying to gain popularity on social media, as they are conforming to the favored opinions of media in general. Are you posting your opinion with a static mindset, or are you sharing your thoughts with others, expecting to learn and grow?

Honestly, for those of you who are posting divisive propaganda that has no merit, no one cares about the hate-filled message except those who like to have their ears tickled or want their own evil thoughts to be fueled anew. We all know Trump was elected president. We all know neither candidate was the ideal choice. However, what happened is what happened. If Trump is not your president, America is not your country. What are you going to do? Break all the laws, get arrested, and go to jail? You cannot change who was elected with your vitriol, and sometimes useless feedback on social media. The same goes for people who are excited about the next president. Please, do not hate on Hillary. You already won the fight. When you’re about to post your hostile words, think to yourself: “What am I trying to accomplish with my post”? If it is something hateful, I encourage you to take a step back and contemplate what is actually happening in your heart. It is better to work on yourself than to bring down everyone else on social media. In fact, I learned early on in my history coursework that a country is only as good as its people. Yes, leaders have influence, and we want good leaders to have influence, but ask what has your influence been on the lives around you, in your family, community, school, workplace?

Now, let me make myself clear, I believe it is healthy to share opinions, as we do not need to bottle up emotions. However, social media is not a place for you to basically cyber bully the political candidates. We are all flawed, so take a look at yourself and reflect on the real reasons behind your rage before you begin bashing others. Finally, I’d like to end by reminding everyone that God knew the results of the election before the candidates even announced they were running. Because the world and nations are in God’s hands, there is actually no need to share hateful thoughts on social media. Please, quit the temper tantrums and find a positive outlet for your emotions. The only thing we can do is to trust God, hope, and pray for our nation. The Creator of all things has told us, “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chron. 7:14, from the book of wisdom. Do you believe this?