4 minute read
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11 NIV)
Love others because God first loved you.
Influencers in today’s world are people who have a large following. But in reality, you don’t need a large following to influence. Jesus died for the one; He left the 99 to find the 100th:
“And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:13-14 NIV)
Love like Jesus
When we love like Jesus, people get to know Him. Feeding the hungry, helping the homeless both reflect Jesus’s love. In today’s world, we have to learn to love through the internet and face to face. People relate through screens more than they do physically. One dimensional communication creates miscommunication. What we mean and what people interpret are two different things. Don’t engage in the argument; instead, spread encouragement.
Since the pandemic started, I’ve made a conscious effort to post uplifting and encouraging posts on my social media feed. My husband and I share a page; I asked his permission to post what I want when I want. Selfies are not my thing, but I post them; they let people see how I’m doing. One of my recent posts was titled: “Battling the blues sans Beth.” With an intent to encourage, I took a selfie during my walk. Struggling with a bout of depression that morning, I moved through it by recognizing, accepting, investigating, and nurturing (RAIN) my emotions. We can’t change the world’s heaviness, but we can embrace God’s promises:
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30 NIV)
People learn of Jesus when we love like Him. Responding to people’s comments on social media is a way to love like Jesus virtually. Not rising to the occasion when someone instigates an argument, but instead, finding a way to uplift and encourage can change the world. Remember, behind the screen is a person. Whoever you’re communicating with, they have emotions. “The Social Dilemma,” a recent Netflix movie, stated alarming statistics. Suicide rates have skyrocketed in preteens and teens since the rise of social media. What we post and how we respond to people matters in the virtual world.
Recognize the humanity behind the post. Instead of deepening the problem, use love to conquer hate. Tap into the love God gave you, then share it with those around you, any way you can.
Question of the Day:
How can you love virtually today?
Further Reading:Daniel 11:36-12:13 NIV, 1 John 4 NIV, Psalm 123 NIV, Proverbs 29:2-4 NIV
