The Light

In a concluding survey of Job, Pastor Chuck Swindoll draws out seven lessons Job teaches us about ourselves.

From the Series: Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance

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Many of us are programmed to have “corrective theology,” where grace is used as a tool to justify sin or take away the pain of consequences. Grace is not a cure-all and there are always consequences for sin.

You’ve probably heard that a Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. One reason: When you’re constantly reading Scripture and meditating on its truth, the more you’re reminded of the judgment you’ve been rescued from if you’re a Christian. So risk some wear and tear on your Bible with John MacArthur as he continues his study called Without Excuse.

A declining follower count or an unexpected unfollow can stir up feelings of loneliness, rejection, and insecurity. But our value is not determined by social media approval or by how others choose to treat us. God sees us, loves us, and invites us to bring our hurt to Him.

Matthew 7:12 teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated, both online and in person. While we cannot control other people’s choices, we can choose how we respond when their actions hurt us. Instead of returning rejection with rejection or allowing bitterness to take root, we can seek God’s comfort, practice kindness, and remember that our identity is grounded in Christ. When social media leaves us feeling disconnected or discouraged, God offers refuge, healing, and a love that does not depend on followers, friendships, or approval.

Highlights

• Why being unfollowed or unfriended on social media can trigger feelings of rejection
• How social media approval can influence the way we view our worth
• Why our identity and value come from God rather than other people’s opinions
• What Matthew 7:12 teaches about treating others with kindness online and in person
• How to bring feelings of hurt, loneliness, and rejection to God
• Why responding to hurt with kindness is more consistent with following Jesus
• Encouragement to find comfort in God’s unfailing love when relationships change

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Full Transcript Below:

Unfollowing Social Media
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). 

Each time I see my follower count go down on social media, I automatically feel like the little kid I was in sixth grade. My feelings get hurt, and I start feeling bad about myself. Depending on who the person is, it can hurt even worse. Recently, I had someone I thought was a real friend unfollow me. Their unfollowing caught me off guard, but I figured that, like everyone else, they didn’t like me much either.

Even though this person chose to unfollow me, I didn’t choose to unfollow them back. Clicking the unfollow button is intentional, often with the thought that you don’t care about the person anymore. Since social media is one of the main ways we connect with others today, unfollowing someone can feel similar to leaving their life and choosing not to engage with them anymore.

Even though I am an adult and I’m doing better mentally than I have in a long time, I cannot shake the pain it brings when someone I thought was a friend disconnects from my life. However, while talking with a wise friend, she told me that they were never really my friend

In this passage, Paul points to the Macedonian churches, who gave generously despite severe poverty, showing that the ability and desire to give are themselves gifts of God's grace. Above all, Jesus' sacrificial example—becoming poor so that believers might become spiritually rich—is presented as the ultimate motivation for generous giving.

Learn how to live a content and joyful life in God's presence when you overcome frustrations.

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