Over the past month or so I have noticed an increase in negativity with hateful posts, comments and pictures being shared on social media. When I saw the rudeness and controversial comments on Facebook, it upset me and put me in such a horrible mood. Due to all of this, I tried not getting on social media as much, but due to my curiosity I wanted to see what was being said. Thinking about the stuff that has happened, and is still happening, saddened me. It saddened me to think that people can be so hateful towards each other and then wonder what is going wrong with the world and why it is so cruel. I am not perfect by any means, but I do try to spread positivity by watching what I say, how I say it and how it can be taken by someone else. Words are powerful and believe it or not, they do hurt -- a lot.

My challenge to you is to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. By making that hateful comment or posting a controversial picture are you being a good role model? Are you sending a positive message? Are you "helping" someone or leading them astray? If you are a Christian, are you okay with being hateful, judging someone, leading people away from God and possibly not being someone they can come to when in need? I know that I would not be okay knowing that a comment I made resulted in someone turning away from becoming a Christian much less them physically hurting themselves. Ask yourself this question: is it worth it?

Spreading positivity, loving others as you would love yourself, giving a helping hand to someone in need, and spreading God's goodness and message can make all of the difference. I can tell you that it'll make you smile knowing that you helped a person, prevented something from happening to that friend of yours, and that you are doing what it takes to make a change for the better and toward a positive, bright future. I can also tell you that it brings the biggest smile to my face seeing people wave and tell people hey (even if they don't know them), giving someone a compliment or telling them to have a good day. That alone can make the difference in your day and most importantly theirs, because behind closed doors you do not know what that person is going through. Instead of spitting out hateful words, you should give someone words of encouragement, comfort and love, show them kindness, lend them a helping hand, and give them someone they can count on.

I challenge you to stop and seriously ask yourself what would Jesus do, the next time you go to speak before thinking.

Lastly, here are some Bible verses that have been heavy on my heart.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8.

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs." Proverbs 10:12.

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs of you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:27-36.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.