The rise of social media has given Christians a way to witness to others on a scale never seen in the 2,000 years of our faith.
And while many church leaders say that social media has made evangelizing easier than ever, many Christians are still cautious about sharing their faith on these platforms.
Crosswalk reports that, “Spiritual conversations are fraught in a digital age, and younger generations are among the most cautious about engaging.”
Have you ever hesitated to post something about your faith because you were afraid of judgment or negativity from someone who may not share your views?
Fear seems to hold many of us back – fear of being judged by others, fear of ridicule, fear of negative comments, fear of insults that undermine our self-worth, even fear of losing our jobs if a coworker or employer finds our faith offensive.
The Atlantic reports that, “Broadcasting your faith to all your Facebook friends is a very public act, and religion is a very personal thing; it may be that people feel more comfortable discussing God in communities that exist offline … These spaces can feel much less vulnerable: It’s possible to know exactly who will hear you and maybe even have a sense of how they’ll respond. On Facebook or Twitter, that’s impossible. ”
It’s totally normal to feel more comfortable talking about Jesus to those who already share our faith, or even to those who may not share our faith but whom we are close enough with that we know our relationship won’t be harmed.
But Jesus tells us in Mark 16:15, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’
This includes those who may be opposed to our message, even if we are scared of their response.
The Apostles faced persecution in many forms, including torture and death, for spreading the message of Jesus Christ. But they remained obedient and did what Jesus commanded them to do.
So how can we become confident and share the Great Commission on social media?
Social media is certainly not without its faults. It seems to draw us further away from each other as we spend hours communicating in a digital world. Words can easily become misconstrued when they aren’t spoken face-to-face. And many people are especially hurtful or ugly on social media for that same reason as well.
The enemy has used social media to spread his message and indoctrinate non-believers in all sorts of ways. But it is our purpose to evangelize to the masses. By using social media to witness and show the love of Jesus to others, we overcome much of the impact the enemy has had.
If we can triumph over our fear, these online platforms can be used for good by reaching those who may not otherwise know or understand our Christian faith – and make disciples of those who are lost.
And God’s Word gives us all the inspiration and truth we need to do this!
Peter 3:14 tells us not to fear the persecution of man: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.”
The judgments of man are nothing to be feared, for we are called to serve through our witnessing — and using social media is the perfect opportunity to do so.
1 John 4:18 tells us: Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
With this perfect love, all fear is removed. By sharing words of encouragement from Scripture and sharing how our faith has transformed us, we are doing the work we are called to do in spreading the message of Christ.
Scripture can also give us strategies and methods for how to share our faith in a way that is honoring to God. When we do so, God will bless us with His fruit. You never know who you may reach or the impact you will have in leading another disciple to Christ.
Proverbs 15:1 states: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Our gentle but steadfast answers to those who may not agree with our faith only serve to make us stronger witnesses.
We, as children of God, have nothing to fear if we keep the Word and love of Christ in our hearts and minds.
And if our faith is questioned on social media, we should always be prepared to defend it through patience and love.
1 Peter 13:15-16 reads: But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
As Peter instructed, we must be ready to give the reason for the hope that we have with gentleness and respect towards others, even when it’s not given to us.
Social media can be an ugly and discouraging place, but if we fill it with the love and grace that Christ gives us, He will use it for His glory. Our lives as Christians are meant to reflect His light and give others the true hope of everlasting life.
Finally, in John 15:19, Christ Himself encouraged us with these words: If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
So overcome your fear and share your faith! Share it in gentleness, kindness, and love. You will be amazed how God will use you to reach the world.
Do you share your faith on social media? If so, how have you overcome any fears in sharing your faith?
How has sharing your faith reached those who are lost or searching?
We’d love for you to share with us!
