It's often a waste of time engaging in online discussions or debates about doctrine or theology on social media. Social media platforms foster shallow discussions, where comments quickly spiral out of control, deviating from the original topic. Brief, simplistic answers are easily misinterpreted and picked apart. And due to living in an impatient culture conditioned for brevity due to some sites only allowing a limited amount of words or a time limit on videos, most long posts won’t even get read. Doctrine and theology requires in-depth discussion of studying God's word, not sound bites or cryptic statements. Meaningful progress is unlikely in online convos, and people often remain unconvinced even after being presented with opposing views.
The internet has led people to express themselves more aggressively, saying things they wouldn't normally say face-to-face. This has created a culture of reckless commentary and criticism. When online discussions descend into name-calling, misrepresentation, and refusal to listen, it's time to set boundaries. Spiritual principles remind us that there's a limit to how much energy we should invest in fruitless conversations (Matthew 7:6, Mark 6:11, Acts 18:6)
Being uncivil, unkind, merciless, aggressive, etc etc will no doubt hinder the goal of reaching someone to the truth. Speaking the truth in love is all but lost on social media. The term love has been redefined by bombarding people with verse grenades, labeling them, being aggressive, and always wanting to get the last word. Since when has the truth been a baseball bat to beat people with it?
When someone possesses the truth and shares it in a manner that is unbecoming of a Christian - with anger, condescension, or disdain - it can ultimately harm the cause of truth and play into the hands of Satan. This is because the unchristian delivery can alienate or offend the intended audience, causing them to reject the truth altogether. Furthermore, when truth is presented in a cold and harsh manner, while false or erroneous ideas are shared with kindness, compassion, and empathy, Satan gains a double victory. Not only is the truth hindered from taking root, but the error is also made more palatable and appealing, leading people further astray. This highlights the importance of sharing the truth in love, with gentleness, respect, and compassion, so that the message is not only conveyed, but also received and embraced.
Not everyone is at the same place in their spiritual development or level of understanding (1 Cor. 3:2, 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 5:13-14, 1 Peter 2:2), and just because someone holds different views does not deem them as one who is not desiring to seek the truth. Telling someone you care about their soul as opposed to telling them they're going to hell has quite different effects and outcomes. Without actually expressing it, we can convey to someone that they are headed for hell.
The most significant thing is one's redemption (Matthew 16:26, Luke 9:25, Mark 8:36-37). How many of us have led a soul to Christ or back to Christ by being outright hateful or redefining love to be in your face and aggressive?
It's undeniable that the truth can be unsettling and even offensive to some people, as it often challenges their deeply held beliefs, values, or perspectives. However, just because the truth has the potential to offend, it doesn't give us the license to present it in a way that is intentionally hurtful, condescending, or aggressive. The fact that truth can be offensive is not a justification for us to use it as a weapon to wound or demean others. Rather, it's our responsibility to communicate the truth in a way that is respectful, compassionate, and constructive, even if it's uncomfortable or challenging for the recipient to hear. By doing so, we can help create an environment where the truth can be received and considered, rather than immediately rejected or resisted due to its offensive presentation.
We should not be puffed up, haughty, or think of ourselves as more highly than we ought. We are not called to win an argument. We are not called to show our superiority. We are to never feel we cannot be taught or are above correction.
When we approach teaching or sharing our beliefs with others, it's essential to avoid an arrogant attitude that assumes we possess all the truth and the other person is ignorant. This kind of superiority complex will only lead to ineffective communication and a breakdown in relationships. We'll never guide someone towards repentance or a deeper understanding of the truth by adopting an 'I'm right, you're wrong' mentality. Instead, we need to cultivate empathy and understanding, acknowledging that others may struggle with certain concepts or ideas. When someone expresses difficulty in grasping a particular truth, such as the nature of evil or hell, we must resist the temptation to belittle or mock their perspective. Rather, we should seek to understand their thought process, gently guiding them through scripture and reasoning.
This approach applies not only to our interactions with those outside the faith but also to our relationships with fellow believers. When discussing sensitive topics or working through differences in interpretation, we must maintain a spirit of meekness, gentleness, and humility. Correction and guidance should be offered in a loving and non-confrontational manner, rather than as a means of asserting power or dominance.
Teaching and sharing our faith are not about exercising control or authority over others. Rather, we are mere vessels, instruments in God's service, seeking to allow the light of His Word to shine through us. Wisdom is often about taking a step back, listening to others, and being willing to learn from their perspectives.
The Christian life is not about seizing power or advantage; it's about serving others in humility and gentleness. When we recognize our strengths and advantages, we should use them to uplift and support others, rather than to further our own interests. By embracing this mindset, we can create an environment where meaningful discussions can take place, and where the truth can be shared in a loving and effective manner.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.
Here is a quote I heard that sums it up nicely “We cannot be God’s people..we cannot be Christian..if we are not people of love. We as Christians have the responsibility to show the world the love that God would have us to show. John says “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and those who are God’s children are those who love. If we don’t love, then we aren’t God’s children. Love, is one of the ways that “we walk worthy” (Eph. 5:2, 1 John 1:5, 7, Eph. 4:2, Col. 1:10, 1 Thess. 2:12). Love one another. Love our enemies. We are to expound and express love as God’s people. We should love all people. And there should be no room whatsoever in our hearts for hating anyone. No matter how they may treat us, we do not have the right or the prerogative to hate that person. Jesus says love your enemies (Matt. 5:44) Everything that we do as Christians, should be motivated by love. If it’s not motivated by love then it’s worthless (1 Cor. 13:1-3).”
The internet has led people to express themselves more aggressively, saying things they wouldn't normally say face-to-face. This has created a culture of reckless commentary and criticism. When online discussions descend into name-calling, misrepresentation, and refusal to listen, it's time to set boundaries. Spiritual principles remind us that there's a limit to how much energy we should invest in fruitless conversations (Matthew 7:6, Mark 6:11, Acts 18:6)
Being uncivil, unkind, merciless, aggressive, etc etc will no doubt hinder the goal of reaching someone to the truth. Speaking the truth in love is all but lost on social media. The term love has been redefined by bombarding people with verse grenades, labeling them, being aggressive, and always wanting to get the last word. Since when has the truth been a baseball bat to beat people with it?
When someone possesses the truth and shares it in a manner that is unbecoming of a Christian - with anger, condescension, or disdain - it can ultimately harm the cause of truth and play into the hands of Satan. This is because the unchristian delivery can alienate or offend the intended audience, causing them to reject the truth altogether. Furthermore, when truth is presented in a cold and harsh manner, while false or erroneous ideas are shared with kindness, compassion, and empathy, Satan gains a double victory. Not only is the truth hindered from taking root, but the error is also made more palatable and appealing, leading people further astray. This highlights the importance of sharing the truth in love, with gentleness, respect, and compassion, so that the message is not only conveyed, but also received and embraced.
Not everyone is at the same place in their spiritual development or level of understanding (1 Cor. 3:2, 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 5:13-14, 1 Peter 2:2), and just because someone holds different views does not deem them as one who is not desiring to seek the truth. Telling someone you care about their soul as opposed to telling them they're going to hell has quite different effects and outcomes. Without actually expressing it, we can convey to someone that they are headed for hell.
The most significant thing is one's redemption (Matthew 16:26, Luke 9:25, Mark 8:36-37). How many of us have led a soul to Christ or back to Christ by being outright hateful or redefining love to be in your face and aggressive?
It's undeniable that the truth can be unsettling and even offensive to some people, as it often challenges their deeply held beliefs, values, or perspectives. However, just because the truth has the potential to offend, it doesn't give us the license to present it in a way that is intentionally hurtful, condescending, or aggressive. The fact that truth can be offensive is not a justification for us to use it as a weapon to wound or demean others. Rather, it's our responsibility to communicate the truth in a way that is respectful, compassionate, and constructive, even if it's uncomfortable or challenging for the recipient to hear. By doing so, we can help create an environment where the truth can be received and considered, rather than immediately rejected or resisted due to its offensive presentation.
We should not be puffed up, haughty, or think of ourselves as more highly than we ought. We are not called to win an argument. We are not called to show our superiority. We are to never feel we cannot be taught or are above correction.
When we approach teaching or sharing our beliefs with others, it's essential to avoid an arrogant attitude that assumes we possess all the truth and the other person is ignorant. This kind of superiority complex will only lead to ineffective communication and a breakdown in relationships. We'll never guide someone towards repentance or a deeper understanding of the truth by adopting an 'I'm right, you're wrong' mentality. Instead, we need to cultivate empathy and understanding, acknowledging that others may struggle with certain concepts or ideas. When someone expresses difficulty in grasping a particular truth, such as the nature of evil or hell, we must resist the temptation to belittle or mock their perspective. Rather, we should seek to understand their thought process, gently guiding them through scripture and reasoning.
This approach applies not only to our interactions with those outside the faith but also to our relationships with fellow believers. When discussing sensitive topics or working through differences in interpretation, we must maintain a spirit of meekness, gentleness, and humility. Correction and guidance should be offered in a loving and non-confrontational manner, rather than as a means of asserting power or dominance.
Teaching and sharing our faith are not about exercising control or authority over others. Rather, we are mere vessels, instruments in God's service, seeking to allow the light of His Word to shine through us. Wisdom is often about taking a step back, listening to others, and being willing to learn from their perspectives.
The Christian life is not about seizing power or advantage; it's about serving others in humility and gentleness. When we recognize our strengths and advantages, we should use them to uplift and support others, rather than to further our own interests. By embracing this mindset, we can create an environment where meaningful discussions can take place, and where the truth can be shared in a loving and effective manner.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.
Here is a quote I heard that sums it up nicely “We cannot be God’s people..we cannot be Christian..if we are not people of love. We as Christians have the responsibility to show the world the love that God would have us to show. John says “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and those who are God’s children are those who love. If we don’t love, then we aren’t God’s children. Love, is one of the ways that “we walk worthy” (Eph. 5:2, 1 John 1:5, 7, Eph. 4:2, Col. 1:10, 1 Thess. 2:12). Love one another. Love our enemies. We are to expound and express love as God’s people. We should love all people. And there should be no room whatsoever in our hearts for hating anyone. No matter how they may treat us, we do not have the right or the prerogative to hate that person. Jesus says love your enemies (Matt. 5:44) Everything that we do as Christians, should be motivated by love. If it’s not motivated by love then it’s worthless (1 Cor. 13:1-3).”
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