WHEREAS, Statements made on social media by Christians can have a huge impact on unbelievers, drawing them to faith in Christ or pushing them away; and
WHEREAS, Some Christians have been known to use social media to engage in debate over “foolish controversies” even though we’re told in scripture that such an exercise is “unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9); and
WHEREAS, The Bible has instructed God’s people to control the tongue (Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 10:19; 12:18-19; 15:4; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; James 4:11), to treat others the same way you want them to treat you (Luke 6:31), and to love one another just as Christ has loved us (John 15:12); and
WHEREAS, Christians are called to exhibit self-control (Galatians 5:23) in every facet of life and follow the second great commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), understanding that our actions and character, seen by a watching world, are directly tethered to our witness testimony of the person and work of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16); and
WHEREAS, The Bible has prescribed healthy avenues for conflict resolution among brothers and sisters in Christ (Matthew 5:21-26; 18:15-20; Ephesians 4:25-27; Romans 12:10; Galatians 6:10); and
WHEREAS, We are called by Christ to “live worthy of the calling [we] have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3); now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Kentucky Baptist Convention meeting in Pikeville, Ky., on November 13, 2018, commit to maintaining brotherly and sisterly love by resolving our differences in a biblical manner (Matthew 18:15-18); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we guard our tongues, using caution and wisdom in traditional media and social media, and refrain from remarks that tear down others made in the image of God, including refraining from gossip and slander (Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 6:16-19; 17:27-28; 21:23; James 3:10-12); and
BE IT FURTHUR RESOLVED, That even in the midst of differences, disagreements, and conflicts, we will engage one another with respect and winsomeness, speaking truth in Christlike love while pursuing unity (Ephesians 4:15).