4 Ways to Use Social Media to Minister to Others

Despite pleas for positivity, our culture seems to reward negativity. This can be especially true on social media. While social media affords us the privilege of connecting and make the world seem like a smaller place, it tends to give courage to people who would never say to your face what they dare to type in the comment section.

That’s not to say it’s all bad. There are actually a lot of good stories on the world-wide web. Many people strive to contribute to the conversation rather than taking a big step backward for mankind. Yet, the negative voices resound more loudly.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

So how can you, as a Christian, cultivate a voice of hope, especially on social media? It’s a question I ask myself a lot, particularly when I’ve just read through the comment section of a viral post or trending tweet.

1. Share stories about how you have witnessed God at work. The anti-God crowd is tenacious when it comes to spreading their “God is Dead” or “There is no God” mantras. Truth is, there are numerous stories about God at work in our midst. We just need to be courageous and intentional about sharing them.
2. Strive to be a unifying force on social media. It’s easy to be divisive; especially from a distance. Be a peacemaker. Unite believers. Bring people together. Be a source of healing rather than hurtfulness and hate.
3. Start an online prayer circle. People need prayer now more than ever. The world is hurting. People are writhing in pain. Suffering is everywhere. It can be easy to lose sight of God in the midst of the storm. Prayer offers comfort and serves as a reminder that in spite of what things might look like, there is a God who loves us.
4. Point people to Christ. Avoid pushing people away. Pray about your response. Pray about whether or not you should even respond. If you respond, be gentle. Be kind. Be encouraging. But also, be truthful.

God calls us to be the salt and the light. Jesus urges us to let our light shine. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, praying on our behalf and working through us. Social Media is still a new and growing tool that the church can use to share the Gospel and invite others to join us in advancing the Kingdom. Social Media, in and of itself, is not good or bad. It depends heavily on the user. It’s up to us, as believers, to use social media effectively to communicate with a world that is watching and listening. Of course, we can choose not to engage in the conversation. Somehow, I don’t believe that’s what Jesus would have us do. Do you?

Please let me know how I can pray for you by emailing me your prayer request.

Blessings.

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