In today’s world, social media has become a platform where people from all walks of life share opinions, beliefs, and experiences. As a person of faith, it is often challenging to navigate public discourse without getting caught in conflicts, especially when discussing sensitive topics such as religion. These platforms, while beneficial for fostering community and spreading knowledge, can also become arenas of debate and disagreement. For believers, it’s crucial to approach these interactions with humility, love, and a Christ-centered mindset.
Recently, I found myself in such a situation. I responded to a church-related question on social media, contributing to what I believed was a simple and respectful conversation. Others joined in, and while some agreed, a few expressed disagreement with my stance. This was completely understandable—people come from different experiences, and it’s natural for opinions to diverge. However, as a person of faith, I wanted to ensure that my response was not offensive but rather clarified my perspective in a way that reflected Christ’s teachings.
Unfortunately, the conversation took a negative turn. What started as a civil exchange of ideas quickly escalated into demeaning comments and attempts to prove me wrong. It became clear that the person was less interested in understanding my perspective and more focused on criticizing my approach. I even asked a clarifying question, which was ignored, leading me to believe that there was some underlying issue on the other person’s part. It seemed like their internal conflict was being projected onto me.
In moments like these, it’s tempting to engage in the back-and-forth, to defend oneself or try to “win” the argument. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” With this in mind, I chose not to escalate the situation. Instead, I sought the counsel of someone else, who confirmed that the other person was indeed argumentative and not engaging in a respectful manner.
As someone who enjoys healthy debates and values learning from others, I had to remind myself that my goal in this conversation wasn’t to be right, but to reflect Christ. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” I didn’t want my words to be a stumbling block for anyone witnessing the conversation, potentially pushing them away from God.
With this in mind, I calmly explained my position, making it clear that I didn’t want to engage in demeaning or harsh dialogue. My aim was not to win an argument, but to maintain a humble and Christlike attitude. Despite my efforts, the other person continued with offensive and passive-aggressive remarks. At this point, I recognized that continuing to engage would only lead to more negativity.
Scripture guides us to know when to step away from unfruitful situations. Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us that there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak.” This was a time for silence. I responded with love, offering a soft response and even praying for the other person. I knew that anything further would turn into a contest of “who knows more about God,” which was not my intention.
Sometimes, it’s okay to walk away from a conversation, but it’s important that our last words are not evil or harsh. As Christians, we must move forward with love and understanding, especially in an age where public discourse can be filled with venomous behavior and misinformation. Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This is what I strive to do, even when confronted with hostility.
My pastor once preached that our actions in public reflect the depth of our relationship with Christ. I am far from perfect, but I hope that my actions, especially in moments of conflict, are pleasing to God. Could my final response have been interpreted as me trying to win the argument? I sincerely hope not. My goal was, and always will be, to glorify God and reflect His love in every interaction, whether online or in person.
As people of faith, we must remember that our words have power. They can either build up or tear down. Let us always choose to build, even when it means stepping away from a heated discussion. Our ultimate goal should be to reflect the love and grace of Christ in every situation, trusting that God sees our hearts and knows our intentions.
