Years ago, I joined Facebook because it seemed like a great way to stay in touch with my kids. They live far and near and Facebook allowed me to hear about the fun things they were doing and to see pictures of places they had been. I still go to Facebook hoping to see a post from my kids. That is the good part of social media for me.
Of course, Facebook has become so much more than a platform to connect. It has become a place where conspiracy theories are peddled, false information is shared, and folks engage in endless arguments about politics and the culture wars. Seeking honest debate is one thing, but too often folks post controversial items designed to lure you into a cesspool. A place where some folks take pride in insulting each other. And to be sure… I am not above taking the bait in some of these posts. I have even been known to create a post of my own and vent. More recently, I have been much more discerning about accepting “friend requests” from people I barely know or knew years ago. Who needs more “friends” who simply want to push their agenda on to as many people as they can?
Our theme this year is “Love Your Neighbor – No Exceptions.” How do we love those who seek to divide us, who treat us with disrespect and judge us? II Timothy offers some insight here when the author writes…
“Don’t get involved in foolish arguments, which only upset people and make them angry. God’s people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth.”
I can wholly subscribe to what Paul says about avoiding foolish arguments. When it comes to social media, stop making enemies out of people we often do not even know. But how do we love these neighbors without exception? The short answer is we remember God loves them just as much as He loves you. Martin Luther once said something to the effect that when you are at odds with your neighbor, remember that Christ also died for them. If Christ was willing to die for these folks, they must have worth. To hate someone that God values and loves seems like a sin in itself. I know I need to heed the words in this devotional as much as anyone. If you feel the same way, perhaps, we can pray for each other!
– Rev. Dave Poteet, Pastor of Congregational Care
