Leaving "Christian" forums, people are mean
This article is for born again believer; those in biblical protestantism.
Q: I am surprised and feel like leaving a community online. I didn’t think in a million years, I would be considering exiting a Christian forum 😱 🥺.
Everytime I read a post there, relate to a post, or try to get encouragement, I just get overwhelmed frustrated and honestly just disappointed. These places are suppose to help and encourage others right? To lift others up not shove them down, ight? Some of what I read is just heart wrenching.
What is a Christian to do?
A: Are you 100% certian you are not "reading into something" thats not acurate/ not there, but is your assumption? Is every believer perfect and has no need for grace, patience and benefit of the doubt? If you were wrong about this and have misjudged, [said kindly:] pls 🙏 repent to God and change your mindset to align with biblical love and right thinking. 🫂
I have not seen that in online "Christian" forums or communities, (tho perhaps admins delete or deal with it by the time I am there, wherever I am, or I correct them in reply). However if you have seen it (and it is legit issue)... it is important to understand "not everyone who claims to be Christian is." Scripture is very clear on that. *There are idolators, people in cults, false converts, and people in apostate religions (that masquerade as Christian) online & they seek & find themselves there to do what children of Satan do: cause problems, decieve, damage and pick off the weak and vulnerable, and turn people away from Christianity. Also, this again reminds we are in a Fallen world living among sinners everywhere. There are mean, wicked and evil people everywhere. Also remember, we are to test the spirits to discern well and avoid fellowshipping with those who are of the Wicked One.
These reasons are why unless you are a mature believer who is knowledgeable and well equipped to do that, you shouldnt be in such online places, (they are unguarded by your church's shepherds, putside the protection of the boundaries of the fences). These online places are only places in the world for mature born again believers to minister to others (to to witness, encourage, exhort, admonish & lead people to truth). It is not for the non mature in faith (of true born again believers). Those of the Devil will implant themselves everywhere possible so it is a cesspool and not the place for the non mature in Christ. Def do leave all social media and online forums until you are a truly mature believer.
As a born again believer, you need to be a member of a local church (active there irl) where there is truth taught & accountability (both for the leaders shepherding and for the individual). Online is not the main (or even for any) place to go to get answers. You need to make close friendships with the brethren in your church, they can answer questions, counsel and guide you - Scripture even says so. They hold you accountable, help correct you and help you grow - not just in Bible knowledge but in living it out so you can mature & grow in holiness. The mature believers there, teachers, deacons are guides, and ultimately from the pulpit, the Pastor(s). If you are not under the authority of a church - that is your first step to accomplish asap. Get plugged in, mature in the faith [a few years], (and be solid in your personal reading of the Bible; read it thru a few times), then go into the world (irl & online) and proclaim the truths taught in Scripture. Even then, have someone in the church be your witnessing buddy whom you can get counsel from and bounce things off of as you continue to reach the lost and educate those who hold to errors.
Primarilly you need to be among God's people doing what is noted above. Secondarily if your church has a private online community on their website or social media account, then you can interact there, sparingly. Perhaps better to create chat group with those in the church you connect with and who meet the above critria and are helpful in those ways, so whoever is available can respond to you. Even in those groups, people replying are taking time to think biblically and guide you. There are times it may appear to you they are " being mean" but really theyre being loving to care and guide. You need to be humble hearted and Christian minded to consider if anything they say is indeed holding truths that you need to examine in yourself and make corrections. And likewise consider if you read posts or comments by other believers who are trying to likewise give good counsel. For the rest, they might be unsaved (regardless of what they claim) so either contact the moderator there or leave it be. You can post something helpful and biblical as well if it is motivaed from godly thinking, and to be helpful.
Hope this has given you clarity, & good guidance 😊.
God bless
Here are resources to help you:
