What the Bible Says About Social Media
The Bible was written long before social media existed, and its teachings offer relevant guidance on how people should behave and interact online. Ancient biblical principles can help modern users navigate social media challenges and make wise choices about their digital lives.
Communication and Speech
The Power of Words
The Bible teaches that words have great power. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This applies strongly to social media, where words can spread quickly and have lasting effects. The Bible warns people to be careful with their speech, including online posts, comments, and messages today.
Speaking Truth
Social media often spreads false information. The Bible repeatedly tells people to speak the truth. Exodus 20:16 commands, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Social media users should fact-check before sharing posts and avoid spreading rumors or unverified claims.
Kind and Gentle Speech
The Bible encourages kind communication. Ephesians 4:29 says people should only say what helps others and fits each situation. This means avoiding harsh words, insults, and cyberbullying on social media. Instead, users should post encouraging and constructive content.
Time Management
Using Time Wisely
The Bible tells people to use their time well. Ephesians 5:15-16 says to “make the best use of time.” Social media can waste many hours through mindless scrolling. The Bible would encourage setting limits and using social media purposefully.
Avoiding Distractions
Jesus taught about staying focused on important things. In Luke 10:38-42, he praised Mary for listening to his teaching instead of getting distracted by other tasks. This suggests social media shouldn’t distract from prayer, family time, work, or other priorities.
Relationships and Community
Real Connections
The Bible emphasizes deep, authentic relationships. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells people to meet together and encourage each other. While social media can help maintain connections, it shouldn’t replace face-to-face relationships and genuine community.
Handling Conflict
Matthew 18:15- 17 gives steps for resolving conflicts privately at first. This suggests people shouldn’t publicly shame others or air grievances on social media. Instead, they should handle disagreements directly and privately when possible.
Identity and Self-Worth
Finding Value in God
The Bible teaches that people’s worth comes from being made in God’s image, not others’ approval. This applies to seeking likes, followers, and social media validation. Galatians 1:10 warns against trying to please people instead of God.
Comparison and Envy
Social media often causes people to compare themselves with others. The Bible warns against envy in verses like Galatians 5:26. It teaches contentment and gratitude instead of jealousy over others’ posts and lifestyles.
Privacy and Modesty
Avoiding Show
Jesus criticized people who did good deeds publicly to get attention. In Matthew 6:1, he warned against practicing righteousness to be seen by others. This suggests being careful about sharing religious activities or charitable acts on social media for praise.
Personal Boundaries
The Bible values personal boundaries and appropriate privacy. This relates to oversharing on social media. Proverbs 25:17 warns against wearing out your welcome in someone’s house. Similarly, users should respect others’ privacy and avoid posting too many personal details.
Influence and Example
Being Good Role Models
Paul told Timothy to set an example for other believers in speech, conduct, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Social media users, especially those with many followers, should consider how their posts influence others.
Representing Faith Well
Christians represent Jesus to others, including their social media presence. Colossians 4:5- 6 says to be wise when dealing with outsiders and to let speech be gracious. This means social media posts should reflect Christian values.
Content and Entertainment
Mental Input
Philippians 4:8 tells people to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. This guideline informs what content to consume and share on social media.
Avoiding Temptation
Jesus taught people to avoid things that tempt them to sin. Matthew 5:29-30 uses strong language about removing sources of temptation. This suggests unfollowing accounts or leaving platforms that promote harmful content.
Anger and Reactions
Quick to Listen
James 1:19 says to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. On social media, users should read carefully and think before responding, especially to posts that make them angry.
Handling Disagreements
The Bible teaches responding to opposition with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-25). This means staying calm in social media arguments and avoiding hostile responses to different views.
Digital Sabbath
Rest and Reflection
In the Ten Commandments, God commanded the sabbath to rest. While this didn’t mention technology, taking breaks from social media fits this principle of regular rest and reflection.
Spiritual Focus
Jesus often went to quiet places to pray. Modern believers might benefit from regular social media fasts to focus on prayer and spiritual growth without digital distractions.
Addiction and Control
Freedom from Bondage
The Bible teaches that Christians shouldn’t be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). This applies to social media addiction. Users should control their social media use rather than letting it control them.
Heart Issues
Jesus taught that behavior comes from the heart (Matthew 15:18-19). This suggests examining why someone uses social media compulsively and addressing underlying emotional or spiritual needs.
