False Witness?

There are six things that the LORD strongly dislikes, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Luke 10:27

I recently read an essay by a pastor that I have not been able to stop thinking about. It talked about bearing false witness in social media contexts. In his (and my) opinion, if we believe that everyone is our neighbor in the eyes of Christ, knowingly posting misleading stories or photos is bearing false witness. 

We all sometimes share things that end up being false. But I think Christians have a duty to be careful as to what we share and to check it out before we post it. I have friends who post untrue things on a daily basis just to stir up resentment about groups of people and divide us further. 

For the record, there is NO "Muhammed al Salad" and he is not forcing a Halal menu on students. 

Starbucks has donated THOUSANDS of pounds of coffee to the USO. (The rumor that they refused to support the military started in 2004, for Heaven's sake!!) 

The photo of Emma Gonzales tearing up the US Constitution is an obvious FAKE!

Muslims are NOT collecting welfare for up to four wives. Government services DO provide manuals and information in Arabic.

Unauthorized immigrants are ineligible for most major federally-funded safety net programs. They are NOT eligible for Social Security, even if they are paying into the system. 

When in doubt, check it out. Don't bear false witness.