Everyone needs a little fantasy, idealism, denial, unrealistic optimism, hope. Too much stark reality from social media will ultimately lead to depression or even insanity.  Do I need to know that someone put their baby in an oven? No. Do I need to know that the U.S. Government has become almost totally corrupt? Only if I plan to do something about it. But what? Do I need to know that someone I’ve never met and probably never will has cancer and is in crisis? Well, maybe. I can pray for them.  But if you have a lot of ‘friends’ online, this can become overwhelming to sensitive souls. I think it may be better to say broad-based prayers and save the personal prayers for actual friends.

(The above photo is from a Bible study group that I have been attending for 7 or 8 years. It’s a wonderful organization called Community Bible Study. This is a place of hope and a gathering like-minded people. I highly recommend it. It’s my once a week shot of Bible truth with no BS added.  The Word of God is powerful and the fellowship of other believers is a blessing. All personality types are welcome! No gossip or arguing is allowed. We focus on the Word. Just for grins, can you guess which one of the women in the photo has been to Africa multiple times as a missionary? )

Community Bible Study International

The reality is that the Bible says things will continue to get worse in the last days and obviously they are. The good thing is that the internet enables Christians to support each other and even sometimes become close friends. My best friend  lives in another state. We talk nearly every day. We met on Facebook and I’ve been to visit her and we ran a tough 50k trail race together. This potential to connect with real people makes my time online worth it. But I have learned to steer clear of too many negative things. Not everyone does, though. I see it in those around me who read and watch mostly the stuff that feeds their anger and cynicism and hate and self-righteousness.

Christians have a duty to spread LOVE. It’s not easy. But it is what the Bible commands. Most of us know the Love Chapter. 1 Corinthians 13, but it is always nice to read it again.

[1] If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

[4] Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant [5] or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [6] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. [7] Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8. Love never ends. ESV

How is it even possible to love people in today’s world? Only with God’s help. Only with constant reliance on the Holy Spirit. Only with a humble heart that recognizes our own faults. Only with the hope of eternal life with Jesus that he promises to his children.

There are still many, many reasons to be happy in this world and to  seek and give love and help others and form relationships and enjoy life. But it takes effort and making ourselves look away from the death, floods, fires, politics, oppression that is constantly broadcast. It’s not being unrealistic. Focusing on the good makes you willing and able to do good! Focusing on Jesus and his supernatural power instead of your weakness will help you love others and maybe even make a difference in someone’s life. Expect God to answer your prayers! He says he loves you, trust Him.

I love the new show by Mike Rowe,  Returning the Favor. It’s so positive! It highlights the real people out there doing good deeds and not seeking fame or fortune. One young teen started a toilet paper drive when she found out some people live without it. There are people helping people all over the country. Social media and the regular media only show a few tiny stories about these people. You have to seek them out.

Returning The Favor

God bless you and help you to love others today as you seek His will in your life, which is to trust and believe and love Him. Amen.