Why We Shouldn’t Settle Our Problems Via Social Media

If you follow national news, you’re likely aware that Donald Trump and Elon Musk, once friends, are now engaged in a social media battle. These two influential figures shape politics and the world in ways most of us cannot. As social media influencers, they may feel a responsibility to share their thoughts publicly. But for the rest of us—ordinary people who sometimes face disagreements with friends and family—their approach should not be our model for resolving conflict.

Ephesians 4:32 instructs, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 echoes this: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

The lack of forgiveness in the world grieves me. Scripture does not present forgiveness as a suggestion—it is a command. It does not say to wait until someone apologizes before forgiving. It says to forgive, regardless of the other person’s actions. While boundaries are sometimes necessary to protect ourselves from repeated harm, our hearts must remain open to forgiveness.

This is forgiveness without conditions. No exceptions, no fine print, and no "buts." Set boundaries if needed, but release the pain.

Thankfully, most of us do not carry the weight of a nation nor the responsibility for hundreds of thousands of employees’ livelihoods. Most of us are not social media influencers with millions of followers. We are everyday people, with everyday disagreements. And we should not turn to social media as a battleground for settling them.