Navigating Social Media With Grace
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. These platforms connect us with family, friends, and communities worldwide, providing a space for shared experiences, conversations, and ideas. However, they also can become arenas for disagreement, discord, and even damaging arguments. As Christians, we're called to uphold a standard of love, peace, and understanding, which can sometimes be challenging in the face of social media arguments. Here are five biblical reasons why we should avoid such disputes.
Reason One: We Are Called to Peace
The Bible repeatedly calls for Christians to seek peace. Romans 12:18 instructs, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Engaging in online arguments often leads to discord rather than peace. It's easy for misunderstandings to occur due to the lack of face-to-face interaction and the impersonal nature of digital communication. Instead of fostering peace, these arguments can create strife and division.
Jesus Himself embodied and preached peace throughout His ministry, teaching us to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and promoting peacemaking as a blessed act (Matthew 5:9). In seeking to emulate Christ, we should strive to promote peace on social media platforms, even when faced with differing opinions or potential conflict.
Reason Two: Our Words Should Edify
Ephesians 4:29 states, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." When we argue on social media, our words often become harmful rather than uplifting.
In the heat of an argument, it's easy to forget this biblical principle. We might say things we later regret or cause unnecessary hurt to others. As Christians, we should aim to use our words to encourage and edify, not to tear down or harm. This principle extends to our online interactions, where our words can reach a wide audience and have a significant impact.
Reason Three: We Should Exhibit Self-Control
The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control. Proverbs 25:28 says, "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." Engaging in social media arguments can often lead to a loss of self-control, resulting in harsh words, hasty judgments, and damaged relationships.
Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. As Christians, we should strive to exhibit this virtue in all aspects of our lives, including our online interactions. By avoiding arguments on social media, we can better maintain our self-control and reflect Christ's love to others.
Reason Four: Our Actions Should Reflect Christ’s Love
As Christians, we're called to reflect Christ's love in all we do. John 13:35 says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." When we engage in online arguments, we risk portraying a distorted image of Christianity to non-believers.
Social media provides us with an opportunity to witness to others about Christ's love. However, if our interactions are marked by strife and contention, we may push people away rather than draw them to Christ. By choosing to respond with love and understanding, we can better represent Christ on these platforms.
Reason Five: We Are Stewards of Our Time
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Arguing on social media can be a significant drain on our time and energy—resources that could be better spent on activities that glorify God and benefit others.
As stewards of our time, we should consider whether our social media interactions are fruitful and edifying. If we find ourselves frequently embroiled in online arguments, it may be time to reevaluate how we use these platforms.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, as Christians, we're called to a higher standard in all our interactions, including those on social media. By seeking peace, edifying others with our words, exhibiting self-control, reflecting Christ's love, and being good stewards of our time, we can navigate social media in a way that glorifies God and benefits others. I encourage you to evaluate your social media practices and strive to apply these biblical principles in your online interactions.
Bill Simmons, AIC, CPI, CCI, CASA is the owner of L2 Insurance Consulting LLC, and he is an industry recognized expert relating to insurance claims and claim related damage. Bill has worked in every aspect of insurance claims from automobile liability and subrogation to property claim specialist, and he has worked both aspects of insurance claims, for carriers as a staff adjuster and as an independent adjuster. Bill also serves as an expert witness in the insurance claim legal process. Bill lives in Panama City, FL with his wife, Amanda and their two sons, Layton and Lucas.
