Virtue left me…

And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

Luke 8:46 KJV

Virtue /ˈvəːtʃuː,ˈvəːtjuː/ the power or efficacy of a person or a thing.

It was a typical weekday and per habit I had posted a graphic of a scripture and prayer for the day. Two graphics were shared that day and I chose the verse that resonated with me in the moment and posted that on my status. A while later my phone beeped with a response to my status update which read:

Troll: “This is old… I guess. Lol. Please, update yourself.”

Initially I was confused but after a while it struck me. The graphic I chose to share was not the actual “word for the day” but an old one that bore the same date. I proceeded to share this response, a long one at that and it read:

Me: “I don’t know what your motive for sending this feedback is.

1. The word of God is ancient but never gets old. If today’s word is not for you it might minister to someone else. Plus today is *date of incident* so I wonder what your interpretation of OLD is.

2. I think it’s quite insecure of you that you always want to pass on negative criticism or water down someone’s post. YOU DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO COMMENT!!!

3. I don’t know what you’re communicating asking that I “update myself”. I find it rude and unnecessary.

PS: we are not in normal times and you’re better off lifting others up rather than trying to find flaws and loopholes in people posts and lives. Spread kindness and be nice. Life is not a competition 😊”

Clearly I was triggered because this individual was fond of dishing out such feedback without reservation. And then the person chose to elaborate their opinion.

Troll: (sharing what was supposed to have been the verse of the day) “This is what I mean… It is current one for today on their *social media* page. Smh 🤦🏿‍♂️”

And that’s where I lost my cool. My response:

Me: “Well done. There are no awards for who posts most current information, Mr Headmaster”

Troll: “Shame on you too. You should have listened to my perspective first before passing judgment. Well, I understand.”

Me: “It’s my status and I post as I’m led to. Period! Your do not have to agree or disagree if what I share doesn’t resonate your whims, beliefs or values. Thank you 🙏🏼”

Troll: “Sure 👍🏾”

*In my head, “Did I just see shame on me?”. Where is this from so early in the morning?* At this point I had stopped reading any responses and had proceeded on a venting spree…

Me: “I never said shame on you. I reject your shame and negative energy. Why do you always feel the need to project SHAME on people. Please keep your shame to yourself. And you shouldn’t have been rush to judge my reason for not posting “a more current” version of *date of incident* scripture.”

Troll: “That makes two of us. Good night.”

(The Goodnight muddied the whole situation because this conversation ensued in the morning)

Me: “I saw both and I chose which one to post. I didn’t need you to come and “update me” just because you feel it’s not what was shared today. My platform, my post. I’m not obliged to do this. It’s my stage and I choose to use it to share scripture. I can also choose not to post altogether and no one can bug me about it.”

Troll: “You are right like a Pharisee. Enjoy the day!”

Me: “You’re just negative. Keep your thoughts and judgements to yourself”

It was at this point that it hit me: I was wasting virtue.

Next move: The said contact AKA Troll was blocked

I needed to save my energy for work, family and what really mattered in that moment and for the rest of the day. I had to let the feeling of being upset, triggered, patience being tested all rolled in one mood die immediately. Nothing was stealing my virtue and by extension my peace of mind.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Colossians 4:1-6 KJV

How often do we waste virtue on unnecessary banter, argument and worthless exchanges trying to prove a point? If only we would be able to filter even our minutest conversations to be more worthwhile, we may have a more impactful life. Endeavor to avoid toxic people, conversations and unhealthy competition.

Many a time the desire to prove oneself right is to fuel our egos and spike dopamine levels. Let us spread love and kindness and be more intentional about our conversations and transactions as far as expending virtue is concerned. Every word counts, utter wise ones, seasoned with salt…ALWAYS!

PS: Don’t be like “Troll”☺️

Love, Esinam.