To Post or Not to Post?

Social media “memories” are great, aren’t they? We laugh at the funny picture of our pets, feel nostalgic at photos from our kids’ sporting events, and give thanks for the many memories from a vacation. 

Or we may cringe because of something we wish we hadn’t posted. It might be a meme that insulted someone  or a video that made fun of someone’s misfortune. We may have complained about a minor inconvenience. And what about the quick replies —or extended debates — we left on other people’s posts?  

We can delete some of our words from social media, yet it’s difficult to erase the impressions they leave on those who read them. As we seek to be good ambassadors for Christ, we can use Galatians 5:19-23 as a framework to put off unbiblical communication and put on Christlike interactions.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 
Galatians 5:19-23

As Paul writes to the Galatians about the conflict between desires of the flesh and desires of the Spirit, he explains that it will be evident which of these are ruling us. Desires of the flesh will result in the list of “works” in verses 19-21. Most of the actions in these verses are commonly seen in interactions on social media. They can either be the reason why we post or share something — or they can be the outcome of an interaction. Paul firmly and directly warns that these are not appropriate for the citizens of God’s kingdom.  

Before we interact on social media, it would be helpful to pray through each of the items in verses 20 and 21. We don’t always understand our own hearts, but the Holy Spirit is our Helper and Advocate. As we humbly approach God, we can ask him to make it clear to us if what we are about to say is motivated by any of these fleshly desires. There have been many times when I look back at something I had written on social media and realized the selfish or spiteful impulses that caused me to say something hurtful. It shows wisdom and humility if we take a few minutes — or days — to carefully consider our words before we post.

But Paul doesn’t just warn us and leave us discouraged about our fleshly attitudes and actions. He reminds us that we can exhibit the fruit of the Spirit! Before we look at the evidence of the Spirit, let’s pause to notice that Paul doesn’t say that the qualities in verses 22-23 are “works” of the Spirit. We cannot manufacture the fruit on our own because they are the Spirit’s fruit. The Spirit produces this fruit in our lives because believers are filled by the Spirit at the moment we are saved. We are responsible to put off the works of the flesh and move forward in obedience — but we do not rely only on our efforts. The Spirit progressively shapes us to be more like Christ. 

Before we type, we can consider if our words truly reflect the fruit of the Spirit. Are my words motivated by love for God and others? Will this post show the joy and peace that I have through Christ?  Is this comment or meme kind and gentle? If I were speaking in person, would I say this? When I take time to pray first, I am thankful that the Holy Spirit helps me to rephrase my words — or refrain from saying anything at all! 

It isn’t easy to know what fleshly desires lie behind our words. We will often choose attitudes and actions that do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit. There is only one person who perfectly exhibited the fruit of the Spirit. Christ’s motivations, words, and actions always displayed the character of God. But he is more than just a good teacher or role model. He willingly chose to take on himself the burden of all our sins. In exchange, he has given to us his righteousness. In Christ, God sees us as if we had never sinned. That includes every unkind rant, off-color meme, and impetuous comment we have shared! When we fail to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, and turn to him in humble repentance, he forgives us. 

The assurance of forgiveness from our heavenly Father should also spur us to seek reconciliation with others. It isn’t possible or wise to try to reconcile with every person who has been affected by our words. But as you pray, ask God to show you whether there is someone you could reach out to. Humbly acknowledging how you hurt them and demonstrating that you want to make it right can be a difficult yet healing process. 

We are also called to extend forgiveness to others. We can be understanding and forgiving because we know that we are not without fault. When someone else posts or comments something that was hurtful or made us angry — instead of responding in kind, we can choose to show them a glimpse of how God’s love and mercy works. We can overlook the offense or we can reply with a gracious word or encouraging verse. The situation may sometimes warrant a face-to-face conversation — after prayerfully considering how to proceed. 

Our fleshly desires may lead us to post hastily, but Scripture shows us a better way. By pausing, reflecting on the fruit of the Spirit, and praying before we post, we allow God to guide our words and interactions. Christ’s forgiveness frees us to extend patience, gentleness, and grace to others—even online.
Next time you’re about to share, comment, or post, pause, pray, then post (or don’t!). Let your words reflect God’s character, build up others, and honor Him in every interaction.