Whenever I get a lot of similar questions, I make a post about it. Whenever I receive many suggestions about a topic, I make a post about it. But never have I ever made a post responding to a hate comment. Until now.
The comment was on one of my Instagram reels, and it went like this: “As a members of the church, you should not be wasting time on social media and ‘sharing the gospel’ as you so call it. Grow up and get a real job.” Well, I am very excited to tell you that we are in fact asked to share the gospel online. Time and time again. (Here are 10 tips to do it today!) And if you are trying to tell me through this screen that you don’t want to share goodness online, then don’t! No one is forcing you. But if you have even an inkling of a desire, here are some words of encouragement from our Church leaders you telling you to share goodness online.
Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet
Back in 2008, Elder Ballard spoke of the impact of the internet and rising popularity of blogs saying, “Now, may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration.” In fact, it was this talk that inspired me in the first place.
Love, Share, Invite
One of my favorite talks about sharing goodness comes from Elder Stevenson in April 2022 when he said, “In our digital age, members often share messages through social media. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of uplifting things you might find worthy of sharing. This content offers invitations to “come and see,” “come and serve,” and “come and belong.”
Flood the Earth through Social Media
In August 2015, Elder Bednar spoke at BYU Education week about the importance of sharing goodness on social media. He said, “I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood.”
How to Share the Gospel Virtually
In a Liahona article published in July 2022, Norman C. Hill said, “Thanks to modern technology… we can find ways to share the message of the Restoration and help to gather Israel.”
Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart
Elder Uchtdorf shared some wonderful counsel in April 2019 General Conference when he said, “What I am asking is that you always look for opportunities to bring up your faith in natural and normal ways with people—both in person as well as online.”
Spiritual Eclipse
Here’s another quote from Elder Stevenson who actually speaks on this topic often! He said, “Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest… have generated hundreds of millions of likes, shares, views, retweets, and pins and have become very effective and efficient in sharing the gospel with family, friends, and associates.”
Sharing the Restored Gospel
In October 2016, then Elder Oaks called for more outreach in our missionary efforts saying, “Our young members’ expertise with social media gives them unique opportunities to reach out to interest others in the gospel.”
Sharing Light and Truth Through Social Media
In an article published on the Church’s website in August 2022, Brother and Sister Laycock said, “We can use social media as a powerful tool to connect with others, offer encouragement, and share our testimony of Christ.”
When the World Will Be Converted
Throwing it back to October 1974 when Spencer W. Kimball prophesied, “I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse.”
Share Light through Social Media
And finally, included in a study manual is a short invitation that says, “If you use social media, share messages and content that bring light and joy into your life—things that truly inspire you and make you happy.”
I truly hope that these inspire you and maybe even give you a little nudge to go share goodness online today. The world needs you!
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