Maintaining Our Witness on Social Media
I find it hard to believe that I have been on Facebook for more than 20 years. I remember when I first started posting—it was so much fun! I could share what was happening in the Andrews household and reconnect with old friends I had lost touch with over the years. Most everyone I encountered on social media was kind, enjoyed catching up, and marveled at this new way of staying connected.
But something changed.
Social media became a platform for politicians to campaign and promote their messages. At the same time, Christians discovered they could share the gospel and discuss God's Word with audiences that might not otherwise be exposed to biblical truth. Ironically, politics and religion, the two subjects the Baby Boomers told Gen X (my generation) never to discuss, became the major driving forces behind social media engagement.
As a result, the number of users on social media exploded. In 2007, Facebook had approximately 20 million users. By 2025, that number had grown to more than 2.1 billion. As social media became increasingly profitable, algorithms began favoring sensationalism over truth. As Flavia Roscini of Boston University observed,
"Algorithms prioritize engagement over truth, often boosting emotionally charged content that can seem more progressive or reactionary. These 'echo chambers' trap users in ideological bubbles."
I have fallen prey to the algorithm trap myself. At times, I’ve allowed myself to get sucked into pointless arguments, determined to "hold my ground," instead of responding with grace and love. Social media provides an incredible opportunity to share God's Word and the gospel, but we must remember that Scripture calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, NLT).
We’re tempted to settle into the echo chamber of a sterile Christian bubble feeling safe, posting only for clicks, likes, and attention. But that doesn’t challenge or edify the body of Christ. It also can hinder the scattering of gospel seed into a world that desperately needs Jesus.
One of the most controversial things Jesus said was, ...I have not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34, ESV). When Jesus speaks of bringing a sword, it’s not about inciting physical violence. Rather, He is describing the tension between His truth and a broken world devoid of true peace. In this context, the sword serves as a metaphor for the discerning and dividing power of God's Word.
How can believers boldly proclaim the gospel and share God's truth without appearing to be pretentious or argumentative?
Stay rooted in Christ
Jesus said, Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to bear fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me (John 15:4, CSB). We cannot love like Jesus unless we walk closely with Him. His love becomes the source of our love for others.
Expect rejection
Jesus reminded His followers, ...If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you... (John 15:20, CSB). The world hated Him first, therefore faithful Christians should also expect opposition when following Christ.
Don’t forget who the real enemy is
Satan—the author of sin, darkness, and confusion. When we repent and believe in Christ as Lord, we receive the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. Scripture says, ...when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago (Ephesians 1:13, NLT). People void of the Holy Spirit, those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, cannot discern spiritual truth. Even Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him because they were spiritually blind. I often remind our congregation that we should not be surprised when lost people act lost. This realigns my perception of those who choose to reject the Truth.
Remember we don’t share the love of Christ to win arguments
We do it to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ and to share the gospel with those who have not yet repented of their sin and received Jesus as Lord and Savior. Christian artist Jacob Olds once said, "I've never seen a soul set free through an argument. I've never seen a hurt get healed in a protest. But I've seen sinners turn to saints because of grace."
As believers, we have peace because Jesus identified Himself as Truth (John 14:6). The world will not always understand that truth, yet we have the privilege and obligation to share it. We cannot save anyone; all we can do is faithfully speak the truth in love. Paul summarized it this way: I planted [the gospel seed], Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6, CSB). Keep proclaiming the Good News with a joyful heart and leave the saving of souls to Jesus.
