Guidelines For Believers Who Use Social Media

Author: Dr. Bob Caldwell

Artificial Intelligence is getting very good insofar as giving not only correct answers, but helpful ones. We asked an AI program for 10 Bible-based guidelines for using social media. Here’s what it came up with after scouring the internet:

Here are ten guidelines Christians should follow when using social media, rooted in biblical principles and aimed at fostering love, truth, and integrity online:

1. Reflect Christ in All You Post.
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” — Colossians 3:17. Before posting, ask: Does this reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth?

2. Speak the Truth in Love.
“Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ…” — Ephesians 4:15. Avoid harsh words or arguments. Truth without love can become a weapon.

3. Avoid Gossip, Slander, and Quarreling.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…” — Ephesians 4:29. Don’t share rumors or attack others. Honor God with your words.

4. Be Slow to Post, Quick to Listen.
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19. Pause before commenting. Pray for discernment.

5. Guard Your Heart and Mind.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23. Avoid content that promotes envy, lust, pride, or fear.

6. Don’t Seek Validation from Likes or Followers.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” — Galatians 1:10. Your worth is not in likes, shares, or followers. It’s in Christ.

7. Build Others Up.
“Encourage one another and build each other up…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Use social media to uplift, inspire, and bless others.

8. Represent the Church Well.
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:14–16. Your online presence reflects your faith. Shine wisely and clearly.

9. Practice Digital Sabbath.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10. Take breaks from social media to rest, reconnect with God, and avoid digital burnout.

10. Pray Before You Post.
“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your online activity. What you post may impact others more than you realize.

We would endorse all of these concepts. However, its list is fairly general so we have come up with a list of more concrete suggestions for you to consider:

Ten Applications of Scriptural Guidelines for Using Social Media

1. You do not need to comment in reaction to every post that piques your interest.
2. You do not need to state your opinion on every news item.
3. Double check the source(s) for your comment before you post them.
4. Remember that the source(s) for posts are often not accurate or even real.
5. Wait two weeks before responding to a controversial post. It will take time for the facts of the story to be revealed and so posting prematurely can lead to your personal embarrassment.
6. Weigh the value of making, or responding to, posts because a portion of your readers will agree with you and a portion of your readers will be offended.
7. Do not be easily offended.
8. Do your best not to allow the posts of friends to negatively impact your relationship. They are entitled to their opinions.
9. Do your best to be friends with a good number of people who are different than you so that you do not become closed minded.
10. Remember that the majority of your followers only know the side of you that they see online. Be careful to present your best self.

We hope that these suggestions will help you as you navigate the internet.