I don’t know about you, but my social media feeds are leaving me feeling more and more disheartened. Post after post of negativity. Some of it is based on facts, a lot of it isn’t. And it’s left me turning more and more to God for wisdom and discernment in this climate filled with emotions so heightened, so charged it’s as though an electrical current is running through every Facebook post, shocking us over and over each time we glance at a screen.
God’s word tells us in James 1:5 that “if you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
So as I’ve wrestled with how I am to approach this current culture, I’ve prayed to my generous Father for wisdom.
Lord, what can I do?
And He answered me with these words.
I can love someone without agreeing with them on everything….or anything.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
I can debate without being degrading or dismissive.
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1)
I can show grace without judgement.
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgement seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live’, says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (Romans 14)
I can offer help when we see a need. But it might not be the same need that someone else feels called to provide for.
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgement, according to the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to another.” (Romans 12:3-5)
I can let my light shine for the Lord without desiring praise here on earth. I can serve Him quietly and in ways that no one will ever know about because I do it for His glory, not mine.
“Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:1-5)
I can proclaim the truth of the gospel message of Jesus Christ without holding others accountable to it who have never claimed Him as their Savior.
“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)
I can be gentle and humble.
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”(Ephesians 4)
I can exhibit in my words and actions the truest definition of love.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
There is so much right now that is topsy-turvy. So much turmoil. So much that is outside of our control. But, as I’ve prayed God, has reminded me of what I CAN control. I can control me and trust Him with the rest.
That’s what I can do.
Amen.
I needed all of these verses today. Thank you so much for posting them.
Thank you for this post.
I have the same burden and just want to hide from all social media including tv. But as Christians all we can do is pray, stay in His word and let our light shine for Him.
So well said. I am sharing.
🙂 gwingal
A perfect Word! Thanks for the reminder.
Bless you!
I love this. I have felt called to be a voice and not quietly go about my business. But I try and adhere to all you’ve mentioned. It’s encouraging to see in scripture how to navigate these tough times. With much love and appreciation.
Amen, Amen, and Amen. Thank you for your perspective and on-time words. God bless you!
Amen. You captured my feelings thoroughly as I struggle with this issue. Thank you for applying God’s Word to the situation.
I needed to hear this today. You are a blessing, thank you.
Amen! Thank you for this post!
I agree about how heartbreaking the newsfeeds are. We can’t shelter ourselves from what’s going on in the world. We need to be aware so we can do whatever God puts in our hearts to help, especially to pray. BUT I’ve done something to my news feed to daily make it more encouraging and to balance the discouraging posts. I’ve bulked up on those pages that post Scripture, quotes, devotionals, etc. When I go through my page I see the bad news but I also see more posts that support and encourage (like this page). And I’m learning to recognize those posts that are simply fear-mongering and either block, delete or ignore them. I find that it helps me throughout the day when I regularly have Godly things in my news feed. It’s all in how you tailor it.
Thank you!
Thanks so much Vanessa for sharing. Living in this world, we need to study to know God’s word so that we know how to respond to others in a loving way even when we don’t agree.
Thank you Bonnie!
I got choked up as I read. Do you know Thistlewood Farms posted on negativity remark but here’s where I believe is satan trying to prevent Godly quoting verses replies. I tried two times to comment and it said something. I could not comment. So I pray.
Thank you for today.
I have had two strong –very strong–attacks on me as a person. Seeking wise counsel, no they do not warrant what was said. I’ve prayed. Read the Bible. And Jesus points me to when He was in that town His town and no one listened. He could only do a few miracles. Jesus told His disciples to shake the dust from their sandals and leave. It was THAT day 5000 followed to that hill to hear Jesus speak and believed!!!! Now if He’d kept focusing on the negative, those eager 5000 wouldn’t have ever heard.
You are under spiritual attack because you make a difference. Reread StoneGable’s post on Spiritual Warfare a few weeks ago and you will be encouraged.
I want to say your post today bolstered me in the dealing with a nonChristian and a proclaiming Christian. Get things right but I do not have to allow their abuse back in.
I truly enjoyed the peace filled photos and remember, keep a file of your best comments. On days when you feel especially attacked, read a couple. As a teacher I did that. It helped.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Sincerely
Gwen
i did not proofread. May the Lord use what He wants for His glory
I’m so thankful that you were able to leave your comment Gwen and I so appreciate your words! Thank you! 🙂
Wonderful post today! So timely with all that is occurring in the world. I am a Christian and I remind myself daily that God’s word never changes. Thank you for you thoughts
Thank you so much Pam!
So so beautifully written! ❤
Thank you friend! <3
I love your site it is very uplifting. Any one looking for a true follower of Christ has just to follow you & they will not be disappointed. Food for the soul I get & great recipes what more could I ask for? Just keep looking at the Lord he will guide your path.
Awww…thanks so much Jan!
Thank you for the encouraging, words and relating our actions directly to Scripture. I really enjoy your blog and now that I know where your heart is I’ll enjoy it even more!
I’m so glad Jeanne!! Thank you so much!
Love this post so much, Vanessa. Beautifully shared. Thank you!
Well written and so beautifully said. Thank you for enriching my day with God’s word and His love.
It’s late and I am just getting around to checking our e-mails!
Vanessa, your posts are wonderful and are always good for the soul! May God continue to bless you as you seek to honor Him!
We have an awesome God! So great to be able to put our trust in Him in these troubled times and know that He is “in control”! Amen!
Very well said and so timely!
Beautifully written. And the reasons I strongly have for never EVER getting on FB and the like are valid.
I work on the computer, I play on the computer, I blog on the coomputer……………..my eyes need to see God’s beautify in the real and now and I cannot possibly give my life to any more computer, so no no never. I know I miss out but it is important I “don’t go there.”
God bless you, stay strong in Scripture – you have your head on straight. Keep up the good work.
This takes guts to write and hit “post.” . I am proud of you. Hugs. ♥
We vote secret ballot, IF we even get to the voting booth! But, we share every opinion, constantly. I find that odd.
Hi, Vanessa
So encouraging and I am so thankful you shared your heart. These last few months have been very heavy on my heart with all that is happening in our country and from afar, I will keep praying and standing and I put my trust in Him, who is always with us.
Hugs sweet friend,
Vanessa
Thank you so much sweet friend! <3
New to your blog…but I feel the same way. I search out blogs that make me feel better, which led to me following you. Keep up your great work and continue to inspire your readers with beauty and wisdom. Thank you.
Beautiful!
I just discovered your website today, and have been reading your old posts. This post feels timely and beautiful this week (election week). Thank you for posting.
Amen! I read your blog for many reasons, but the sense of peace and direction you bring with messages like this one, is at the top of my list. Thank you.
Thank you so much JoAnn! We’re so glad that you are part of our community here. 🙂
Thank you for this sweet reminder of how we ought to conduct ourselves as Christians!
Thank you Rebecca!