Online, I follow this Facebook page called The Laughing Christian, and contrary to what the name implies, the posts are not always funny. Some are quite serious, and many are prayer requests. So, a few followers of this page became annoyed that some posts were too serious instead of funny. Through comments, they made their feelings and opinions known. Some were critical. They seemed irritated because they were not being entertained.

The followers were quite impatient. Unknown to most of us, by special request, a specific person was allowed by the admin to use this forum to share his insights, and they were not necessarily something to laugh about. And this guy had been undergoing major challenges in his life.

He made a long post apologizing for having offended many of the followers. He didn’t make excuses, but within the context of his apology, one can really see that he was experiencing a tough time in life – having problems with his wife who was sick; having relational problems with his son; he was having troubles with his car; and he did not have the finances to cover expenses. Yet in the same post, he also expressed that his strength and provision came from the Lord, always praising Him. One area struck me – he was ready to die, and if the LORD decided to take him home, that would be his preference. He expressed having considered taking his own life, but he knew it was not the right thing to do and it would dishonor God. He was downhearted and faithful at the same time.

I can sympathize with this man. Four years ago, I was very low-spirited and depressed. I could relate to what he was feeling because I have been there — that feeling of hopelessness yet clinging to God at the end of my rope, with God gripping my hands firmly, holding on to me, to keep me from falling. Those challenges were real. And thank God, as He promised, He did not let me go. He would never leave me nor forsake me. All praises to Him!

We don’t know what is really going on in the lives of people – they may put up a good front seemingly happy. And social media? That’s the least transparent of all. Many people post only their successes, celebrations, vacations, parties, and eating out. We would like the people around us to view us positively. Don’t get me wrong. It is good to celebrate and rejoice in celebrations. I rejoice when people rejoice. Yet underneath it all, maybe, just maybe, some of those people are hurting and even depressed. As fallen humans, we want to be encouraged through the likes and positive comments that we obtain from our friends. I am like that, too. For many, Facebook is an escape – short-lived, but an escape, nevertheless. We want to be affirmed that we matter. And negative criticisms don’t help much at all.

I was not sure if and how I should reach out to this guy to encourage him. But I was praying in tears for him! I wanted to tell him that it would all be okay. That the LORD is faithful. That the LORD heals and gives strength. Because I have experienced what he went through, I was in a good position to comfort him. I wanted to respond. So, what do you think I did next?

Nothing.

Doubts entered my mind because I am not a psychiatrist, and I felt that I should not be involved. What if he ends up messaging me continuously? What about the liability of saying the wrong things? Am I ready for that? I was more concerned about the inconvenience and unpreparedness I may experience compared with helping him out. I failed to listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t until a few days later that I came upon these verses:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” (I Thessalonians 5:14-15 NKJV)

I was convicted that I needed to “comfort the fainthearted; uphold the weak; be patient with all,” and God will do the rest. So, when another opportunity presented itself, this time at a different post by a different person at another page, I obeyed. I knew God would equip me because it is His command.

We’ve often heard this but let me say it anyway — let us be a friend to others. Let us be loving to our spiritual family in Christ. We need each other. Let us be transparent so that our family can pray with us and for us. Let us be less critical and learn to discern beyond the happy social media post.

And with that, let me share a couple of verses down as my encouragement to you, which also applies to me:

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (I Thessalonians 5:23-24)

This I pray for all of us, AMEN.