Is social media sinful for Christians?

Social media itself is morally neutral. Sin arises when it is used for pride, comparison, falsehood, or division. Christians are called to glorify God in all things, including their digital lives (1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:22–23).

How should Christians use social media wisely?

Christians should use social media to build up others, share the gospel, foster godly community, and exercise self-control. Posts should reflect what is true, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8; Hebrews 10:24–25).

A Biblical Approach to Social Media

Contending for the Word – August 21, 2025 • Written by Dave Jenkins

Bible open beside a smartphone with social media icons, calling Christians to use social media with biblical wisdom. — Using social media with wisdom shaped by Scripture.

Question: What Does the Bible Say About Social Media Use?

The Bible and the Digital Age. Social media is never directly mentioned in Scripture, yet the wisdom of God’s Word speaks powerfully into how we use it. As Christians, we are not called to escape the digital world, but to engage it wisely, truthfully, and redemptively (Colossians 4:5–6). How we interact online flows out of who we are in Christ and reveals much about the condition of our hearts.

The Heart Revealed

Jesus taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). In today’s terms we might say, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the fingers type.” What we post, like, and share reveals what we treasure (Matthew 6:21).

Social media is never neutral. It magnifies what already resides in us. If our hearts are fixed on the glory of God, our online presence will reflect that. If our hearts are fixed on self, pride, envy, and division will inevitably spill out. The question, then, is not only what are we posting? but also who are we becoming because of it?

Common Pitfalls

Pride: Boasting in ourselves rather than in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23–24).
Comparison: Feeding discontent and envy (James 3:16).
Division: Stirring up endless debates and harsh arguments (2 Timothy 2:23–25).
Falsehood: Spreading rumors or partial truths without discernment (Ephesians 4:25).

Each of these dangers corrodes both our witness and our walk with Christ if left unchecked.

A Call to Discernment

Scripture sets a higher standard. Philippians 4:8 calls us to think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. If these are to guide our thought life, should they not also shape our online life?

Likewise, 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us that even in posting, commenting, or scrolling, we are to do “all to the glory of God.” Social media is not an exception to this command; it is a context in which we can either honor Christ or obscure Him.

Redeeming Our Digital Habits

Christians can approach social media redemptively by applying biblical principles to their daily online practices:

Use your words to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
Share truth and the hope of the gospel (Romans 1:16).
Stay connected to godly community and stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Model self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Such habits transform social media from a platform of distraction or division into an opportunity for discipleship, encouragement, and witness.

Final Thoughts

Social media is a powerful tool. Like any tool, it can be wielded for great good or for great harm. The question is not only what we are doing online, but who we are becoming as a result of it.

As followers of Christ, we must redeem our digital habits through a mind renewed by God’s Word (Romans 12:2). Whether we post Scripture, encourage believers, or simply stay informed, our engagement should clearly reflect Christ in the midst of a noisy and confused world.

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