It’s common for human beings to feel the need to be accepted, liked and be a part of a group. This typically occurs at school, work, in social situations and even with family. At times, we can be drawn into, or initiate harmful conversations in order to obtain “entry” into one of these groups. These discussions may occur in any social situation, and even online.

The incredible advances that technology has brought, have also come with their fair share of problems. Smart phones are prone to dependence with a burst of dopamine and instant gratification whenever someone receives a text, “like” or a “comment” on one of their posts.

Social media pushes the idea of the “instagram” life, look, family, and holiday. The internet is full of polished pictures taken at flattering angles with well rehearsed smiles. You do not see the 50 photos that occurred prior to the “perfect” one being chosen to publish. Neither do you witness the pressure, little annoyances or disagreements any family is likely to encounter during the production of this “masterpiece”. This type of communication can be shallow, without any real human connection. Its aim may be to obtain approval, recognition, adoration and influence. Individuals may be wanting to commercialise their life. It can also trigger feelings of rejection and inadequacy when they don’t receive a response to texts and posts.

The darker side of social media happens when people judge, criticise and condemn someone on a public platform from the privacy of their own home. This causes humiliation and untold harms. Individuals can and do say things that they would never do if they were face to face with the person. As humans we are wired to read the facial expressions of others. If we notice someone is becoming upset or uncomfortable with how we are expressing ourselves or responding to them, we can check on their feelings, we can check on ourselves and be more respectful, and we can apologise or change the conversation. Unfortunately, we are not able to read someone’s reactions well from a text, GIF or emoji (no matter how cute some of them may be).

Jesus is our best example on how to live and be with others. He is love and spoke truth with love. Jesus said: .

The second is like it, “you shall love your neighbour as yourself [that is unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others]”

Matt 22:39 (AMP)

I think it’s important to search our hearts and check our motives before we even open our mouths, or type a reply to anything we hear or read. Do we need to stop and take a breath? Will we take the time to enquire of and listen to the Holy Spirit’s urging? Are we considering how our reaction would make us feel, if we were in their shoes? Does our answer sound like something Jesus would say?

We are a royal priesthood, called to live as Christ did, not to conform to the ways of this world. In reality, Christians are strange people, at odds with this world. Phil Dooley was discussing the transformation of our minds and lives recently and said he was going to declare daily, 1 Cor 13:4-8 and change the word love to I”. It reads like this:

I am patient. I am kind. I do not envy, do not boast and am not proud. I do not dishonour others, I am not self-seeking, I am not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs. I do not delight in evil, but rejoice with the truth. I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere.

As ambassadors of God, how we live in community demonstrates Christianity to those around us, including our children, grandchildren, neighbours, work colleagues, etc. What does the bible teach us about living in community and with others?

And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.

Ephesians 4:29 (TPT)

If you believe your face to face and online communication falls short of this, I encourage you to read the gospels and ask God for the gifts of love, mercy, understanding and encouragement. He will not disappoint you.

God bless you and your family.

I hope you have enjoyed today’s blog. I would love to hear from you – your testimony, questions, suggestions for future topics or feedback to my blog. Please feel free to respond below. You can also subscribe to Jesus 4 Generations by filling out your details below. Alternatively, you can email me at admin@Jesus4Generations.com and I will get back to you.