Christian online behavior
Q: How should Christians behave online in Christian related social media platform groups, when you disagree with what they claim about what the Bible teachings, doctrines from Scripture, or even when talking with the unsaved.
A: First, Not everyone has knowledge enough yet on a subject to agree with it, so it is best to remain open, constantly grow more in understanding Scripture over your lifetime and maybe reaching that understanding as well. You do not have to chase every link and education on the matter they push on you (clearly many are false teachings and doctrines of demons). *You should get a matter settled after studying the Bible yourself and discussing w mature believers in your church.
Second,
It is best for anyone who disagrees with a person on a topic to share kindly what you know, make sure to be full of gentleness, kindness, grace...
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:13
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10
When you comment or reply online, go the extra mile, since it is a toneless medium and people could wrongly assume you meant something in a wrong way that you didnt say or imply. Ways to prevent that is to write a prenote: Preface the comment or reply with something like "[Said out of genuine brotherly love]" or "[Kind tone]" or [Loving exortation] etc, before you write stuff to help minimize assumptions and for clarity before hand 😊. You can end the comment by including a below verse reference location as well.
Third, Not everyone in a Christian group is a Christian. A general principle is be cautious or just 👉dont engage in the discussion. Like replies others have already given, and Instead look for a way to pause & pray for them and for yourself on the matters; that God will reveal the truth to you, them and all commenting, (and those in Christianity) that God will lead us to truth on the matter.
We are to give replies to the unsaved in gentleness and not thinking we are superior, how much more should our love for one another be, and our forgivingness too (esp when we likely assume something about others... that in reality is not true).
'Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience'. Colossians 3:12
'A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
"Brethren take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
But online in many many cases....it is best to not engage because it can cause others to sin, be unloving, be mistaken in assumptions (cuz of loss of tone), possibly cause division, be problematic in other ways to the "young in faith", and any unsaved reading the comments, etc. Pick your battles and hills you are willing to die on, or dont engage unless others have not commented with solid and decent enough replies. Even then, think and pray before you respond, because it might nit be necessary to get involved in that one or many other ones in general.
Essential doctrines are hills to die on, if it is an issue, but see if others have provided a decent reply first, because that means you can like something and move on. We do not need to put our 2 cents in all the time; be careful: is it being done for a selfish, self seeking for attention, and not being done in spirit of love & self control? Provide a link to a top reputable source/ministry to a sermon, video answer or FAQ answer site and a simple note" this might be helpful to you on the topic, link.com". Easy peazy.
🌟👉Better to engage where you can be uplifting, encouraging, prayerful, and.... get out of Christian bubbles frequently to find a wiser usage of your time; evangelism to unsaved is better (and has eternal benefits for the Kingdom, others salvation, and blesses you too).
And as far as people blocking, theres a time and place for certain situations (using discernment), but dont hold grudges, or block unless it meets that criteria, keep them unblocked. [Think of others more than yourself and have a heart focus in being Christlike in thoughts, words & deeds.]
You could be
👉helpful to them in a matter later, even gospel-interacting on a news article on a diff page or post elsewhere, or
👉helpful to others; regarding comments they give to others, to guide the engaged ones, for helps or clarity.
... And the "person" may learn something from you in the future too.
Be wise in what you engage in. 😊
Finally, 🌟spend more time reading the Bible than spending time on social media.
If you set an alarm to set aside 15 minutes a day or so to evangelize online, fine, but set a dedicated time so you are not sucked into social media and waste your time there, when you can be doing something better and more profitable for yourself and your family, elsewhere.
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