Extending Grace
The world, and especially the internet, seems to grow louder and more aggressive. Voices often clamor for attention and opinions clash like swords. In this environment, it’s easy to forget grace.
Digital evangelism requires that grace is not a commodity to be selectively distributed, but a boundless gift to be freely offered to all who cross our digital paths. In fact, that spirit and approach is often what leads people to engage in active and authentic dialogue which opens the door to Gospel-centered conversation.
If a church is truly living out the Gospel, it would never turn away someone at the door because of their appearance, their past, or their challenging questions. We want to be known as places that welcome the lost, the searching, the skeptical, and even the antagonistic with open arms. This is where we believe they will encounter the transformative power of Christ’s love. The same principle should apply to our digital spaces.
Every visitor to our websites, social media pages, and online conversations is a soul seeking something, even if they don’t articulate it clearly. Some come with the most basic need to talk with another human being that cares. Others bring genuine curiosity, eager to learn more about Jesus. Still others arrive with baggage, burdened by hurt, doubt, or misconceptions. Some may even come to argue, to challenge, or to provoke. Our response to each of these individuals should be grounded in grace.
In an online environment, grace means listening patiently to their questions, even if they seem repetitive or disrespectful. It means responding with kindness, even when faced with hostility. It means offering understanding, even when we disagree with their perspectives. It means refraining from judgment and condemnation, even when their behavior is obviously sinful. We do this better when we remember that we were once lost ourselves.
Some claim this can go too far and that we are endorsing sinful choices when we act this way. Extending grace doesn’t mean compromising our beliefs or condoning sin. We can still stand firm on biblical truth while simultaneously demonstrating compassion and empathy. In fact, it is often through our grace-filled interactions that the truth becomes most impactful. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to be receptive to the message of true hope in Jesus that we share.
Our digital presence should be an oasis of love and grace in an otherwise dark and often-harsh online landscape. We should be known not for our heated debates or our judgmental pronouncements, but for our unwavering love and our willingness to share the Good News to all who come seeking. By embodying the grace that has been freely given to us, we can create a welcoming and transformative space for everyone who encounters our message online. This in how we pave the way for them to experience the life-changing power of the Gospel.
