7 Ways to Respond as a Christian Online Part 2

At the end of last week, we posted our first three tips on how to respond as a Christian online. Here are the rest:

4. Be Gospel Focused.

One wonderful aspect of God is that he is big and often does things outside of how societies and cultures think he “should.”  His word, is clear on the importance of the gospel. Remember to stay focused on the Christ instead of what divides us. If we take a look at Galatians 5 and we see how Paul stresses how the gospel is central to our faith.

5. Don’t Blast the Negative.

We understand that the beauty of social networks is that they allow us to express ourselves. They give us opportunities to post publicly what we are thinking or feeling. There is a trend, however, in which people tend to blast another person’s thoughts or actions in status updates or tweets.  As Christians, we should think about how can build up the body of Christ, not tear it down. Realize that if someone does or posts something that bothers us, it is much better to virtually follow the advice given in Matthew 18:15 which says “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens, and confesses it, you have won your brother over.” (NIV)

6. Be Encouraging.

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (NASB)

“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 (NASB)

If Jesus wanted it to happen for his church in person, he would also want it to happen online. Let’s be focused on building one another up in each interaction we have with one another.

7. Check Your Heart.

Ask yourself and God to reveal why you feel the need to respond? What will responding do for the situation or discussion? Can I be loving in my response?  From my own experience, I notice when I take those extra few moments in an space where my fingers can’t reach a keyboard I find it is often my own PRIDE that wants me to respond. It isn’t because I want to be loving.  Sometimes it is because I want to be seen as better, more spiritual, kinder, wiser, or whateverer than the other person. This isn’t a reason to respond. When I give the space for God to either give me the words or to convict my heart, I am left open to do what he wants of me. Sometimes it means not responding at all. Othertimes it is confessing, and allowing HIM to give me the words I should say.

There you have it, seven tips on how to respond as a Christian online. What are some other things that you have found to be helpful when responding as a Christian online?