Bulletin Articles
Thinking Through Social Interaction
We live in a world of social interaction where so much of that comes through what we term social media. The internet and tech world has given multiple ways to communicate (email, texting, messaging, public posting, etc.), and Christians need to think about how they operate in such a world. While there are various points of etiquette we might want to observe, Christians ought to know that all interaction needs to be characterized by kindness, grace, love, and truth (Col 4:2-4; Eph 4:14-15, 31-32). Whether in writing, in speech, or in any interaction with others, we need to be disciples of Jesus and act appropriately to glorify Him, knowing that love does no harm to a neighbor (Rom 13:8-10). To that end, here are some suggestions for social interaction:
1. We don’t have to comment on everything we disagree with. People will be okay without our constant input. Sometimes we can just walk away and move on to something else (See Prov 19:11).
2. We need to give the benefit of any doubt when we first hear something instead of having knee-jerk reactions. Love “believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor 13:4-8). Let’s start by assuming the best instead of the worst in someone.
3. If we believe that we have the right to speak up, we need to allow others that same right. We know this as freedom of speech, which we all cherish. Biblically, it is simply a common courtesy of treating others as we would want to be treated (Matt 7:12). If something false is said, we can address it appropriately.
4. We should never try to push or bully others who differ with us. If we leave the impression that we are bitter, angry people who just push our way through others, we will lose ground in the cause of Christ. We are to be gentle, letting our reasonable nature be seen (Phil 4:4).
5. We need to show that the Kingdom of Jesus is inclusive of all peoples and nations. This doesn’t mean the toleration of what is sinful (cf. Eph 5:11), but it does mean that we need to be those who embody God’s desire that “in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:35). If we show partiality in our interaction so we exclude those whom we ought to be teaching, then we are not showing forth the true gospel of our Lord (see James 2).
6. We need to listen, read, and pay attention before making snap judgments. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” Reacting to others, including headlines, without hearing it out and knowing what is really being said, does not bode well for honest discussion. If we have missed something in our communication, we need to be open to being shown the truth.
7. There is much in the world of social interaction for which we need to be very careful. There are misinformation, fabricated stories, and other ways in which faulty ideas get passed along. We need to avoid hasty generalizations and getting too worked up over something that turns out to be false. That can hurt many people. Be careful how you hear.
8. If others disagree with us, we should avoid being morally outraged and angry. We ought to be willing to discuss calmly. We want to make arguments and try to persuade others (2 Cor 5:11), but just getting mad because someone takes a view different is not conducive to understanding one another.
9. We must avoid hurling insults at those who disagree with us. Be respectful and honorable. As far as it concerns us, we must seek to be at peace with all (Rom 12:18; 14:19). How did Jesus react to those who hurled insults at Him? (See 1 Pet 2:21-24.)
10. Christians must avoid gossiping. We don’t want to hurt others just because we hear something that sounds concerning, interesting, or bad. We do not rejoice in the downfall of others and then eagerly pass along that information because it gives us a sense of pleasure. Love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor 13:6). Again, we want to treat others as we would like to be treated. If we are truly concerned about a situation, we should be willing to go to the persons in question so that we can minimize potential damage.
11. We need to be careful not to get angry when others tell us what we need to hear for our own good. It may be that my behavior or attitude needs to be addressed, and true friends will do just that (cf. Prov 27:6). Further, we need to be careful not to take everything personally so that we are easily offended (Eccl 7:21).
12. Above all, we must seek to glorify God in all that we do (cf. 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17). We need to interact with others in the name of Christ and to the glory of God, letting our lights shine in a dark world (Phil 2:14-16).
