Loving Well on Social Media

I realize we don’t typically think of social media as a loving place. It seems the worst of humanity comes out under the illusion of anonymity. However, I’m a glass-half-full girl when it comes to social media. I love connecting with people with whom I would have otherwise lost touch. I love seeing my friends’ kids grow up. I love praying for others when they share about their struggles.

As followers of Christ, we can hold ourselves to a higher standard—even on social media.

Grounding Ourselves in Truth

The first thing we can do is ground ourselves in truth. I know, truth can be hard to come by. I don’t disagree. It’s difficult at times to figure out what’s true and what isn’t, especially on social media. However, often, five minutes of research can illuminate whether the link we’re posting is accurate or not. It’s worth the five minutes to avoid spreading rumors or articles that are proven false.

I realize some situations allow for opinions and interpretation of truth, and we are all entitled to our opinions. However, we can ensure our opinions are based in truth wherever possible. It saddens me that many of my Christ-follower friends are the ones spreading conspiracy theories on social media. How do we fall so easily for such things?

Christ valued truth. As Paul wrote, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV). It is not only worth our time, but I believe an obligation as truth-seekers to do some reasonable fact-checking to ensure things we post are accurate on social media.

Kindness Above Self

From where I sit, we are just starting to emerge from most states’ stay at home orders. There’s an all-out political battle over mask-wearing. I understand there is conflicting information around the efficacy. However, the majority of our nation’s best doctors recommend them.

As I understand it, mask-wearing is for the benefit of others around us—not for ourselves. Others protect us by their mask-wearing, and we protect others by ours. I have been stunned by the number of people in my social media feed who refuse to give their business to companies that require masks. It is such an easy step to take, if for no other reason than to communicate to others that you care.

I recently visited my hair salon for the first time in many weeks. My stylist shared about how a couple of clients had behaved unkindly about the new social distancing rules. They didn’t want to wear masks or complete the form affirming that they hadn’t been around someone with coronavirus. These are such very simple steps to care for others, and yet they chose offense.

I just don’t understand how our liberties became more important than loving others. I care about my liberties, too, but I would give them up to love others more fully. I believe that is the call of Christ.

Sometimes, Just Keep Scrolling

I’m on two neighborhood pages on Facebook. Recently, a neighbor posted about how our local Chili’s was open. He recommended we support our local restaurant if we felt safe to do so. Many agreed, but I was dismayed to see several neighbors comment about how Chili’s isn’t a “local” restaurant. They missed the point.

Of course, the poster wasn’t commenting on how we should support our local small businesses. He was posting about how we should support our local people. We have friends and neighbors’ kids who work at Chili’s. Yes, Chili’s is a chain. However, there are still human beings who make their living working for chains.

Was it necessary for neighbors to point out that Chili’s isn’t a small business? No. That’s obvious to most people. It honestly feels like the people who point those types of things out on social media are just out for a fight. If you feel that urge, I encourage you: Just keep scrolling.

As Christ-followers, let’s evaluate our comments on social media using the following barometer: Are we being kind or point others lovingly towards truth? If not, let’s keep scrolling.

Jesus was for truth. He was for kindness. He was for love. As we interact on social media, may we follow in his footsteps. As you write a post or a comment, ask yourself if you would post it if Jesus was looking over your shoulder. Because you know what? He is. We are just too quick to forget it.

We are heading into an election season, which often breeds many of our least favorite social media moments. We are also dealing with coronavirus for the foreseeable future. As we engage on social media, may we do so together through the lens of Christ. Let’s let them see Jesus in what we post and how we comment. Let’s base our posts in kindness and truth and let Jesus shine through.

Amy Wiebe is a Jesus follower, wife, mom of three, church planter, finance director, and lover of sarcasm and deep conversation with friends. She also loves camping, rafting, skiing, sewing, and having people over. Amy blogs with her husband at fringechurch.com.

Photograph © NeONBRAND, used with permission