Encouragement the Bible Gives That Social Media Doesn’t
Social media is everywhere. We scroll, we like, we comment, and sometimes it feels like we are getting encouragement all the time. I’m no different, because I use social media too. But how much of that is real? How much actually strengthens your heart and faith? Biblical encouragement is different. It lasts, it builds you up, and it points you to truth you can trust. In this post we will look at why the encouragement from social media often falls short, and how God’s Word can give the kind of encouragement that really lasts.
Why Social Media Encouragement Feels Empty
Even though I don’t use social media much for personal reasons, I mostly post for the blog. There is one place I enjoy commenting, and that is YouTube. Sometimes I can get caught up in likes and comments. That temporary boost of encouragement feels nice, but I have noticed it can also give approval for the wrong ideas or confirm unhelpful thoughts.
Social media encouragement is conditional and fleeting. It depends on who notices your post, what others think, or even the algorithm. While it can make you feel seen for a moment, it does not strengthen your heart or faith. It is motivation, not true encouragement.
Psalm 146:3 reminds us, "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.”
Human approval can never replace the lasting encouragement that comes from God. Unlike social media validation, biblical encouragement builds your spirit, steadies your faith, and gives hope that endures.
Think about it this way. You may receive a flood of “You got this!” comments online. For a moment, you feel uplifted. But when the next challenge comes, those words offer no real strength. True encouragement comes from God’s truth, not popularity.
Biblical Encouragement vs Worldly Encouragement
Not all encouragement is the same. Social media or worldly encouragement can feel good, but it is often shallow, conditional, or just flattery. It gives a temporary boost, but it does not really help you grow or strengthen your faith. Sometimes it can even make you feel approved for ideas that are not helpful or healthy.
Biblical encouragement is different. It is based on God’s truth, not just on what feels good. It builds your faith, helps you keep going, and points you to God’s way. Biblical encouragement is not always easy to hear. Sometimes it challenges us or makes us uncomfortable. We might even get upset or take it the wrong way. That does not mean it is wrong. It means it is real and meant to help us grow.
Proverbs 29:5 says, “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.”
Words that only make us feel good can be dangerous. Encouragement based on God’s truth protects us and helps us grow.
Examples from Scripture
Acts 9:26-27 – When Paul came to the disciples, many were afraid of him. Barnabas encouraged him and helped him connect with the community. This encouragement was practical, truthful, and loving.
Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” True encouragement helps us become better, not just feel better.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Believers are called to help one another do good and love others, building each other up in ways that last.
Worldly vs Biblical Encouragement
Worldly Encouragement
Flattering or conditional
Focused on feelings or appearances
Temporary boost
Biblical Encouragement
Based on God’s truth
Sometimes challenging or uncomfortable
Builds faith and character
Lasting and trustworthy
Sometimes we might not like what biblical encouragement says at first. It may feel hard or even upset us. But over time, it proves to be far more helpful than any quick praise from social media.
How to Receive and Give Lasting Encouragement
Receiving and giving encouragement that truly lasts is different from chasing likes or short-term praise. Biblical encouragement builds faith, strengthens perseverance, and points us to God’s truth. Here are some practical ways to make it part of your life.
- Meditate on Scripture
God’s Word is full of encouragement for every season of life. Take time to read and reflect on verses that speak to your struggles or your purpose. When you let Scripture sink in, it strengthens your heart and helps you see challenges through God’s eyes instead of relying on temporary motivation.Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein.”
- Pray for and with others
Prayer is a powerful way to encourage both yourself and others. Lifting someone up in prayer shows that you care and reminds them that God is their ultimate source of strength. Sometimes simply praying for someone or praying together can be more encouraging than words ever could. When you speak to others, aim to use sincere words that reflect truth, not just what is easy or flattering.Philippians 1:3-4 – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.”
- Surround yourself with truth-filled community
Being around people who speak God’s truth, love you honestly, and help you grow is vital. True encouragement is not about flattery or saying what feels good for a moment. It is about helping each other persevere, stay faithful, and keep growing in your walk with God. Sincere words that build faith are far more valuable than empty praise.Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
- Remember obedience matters more than immediate results
If you want to see this in action, check out our post Faithfulness ≠ Success. It shows how biblical encouragement helps you keep going and stay obedient to God’s Word even when the results are not immediate. This is real Christian encouragement in practice, teaching us that lasting encouragement strengthens obedience and faith, not just momentary motivation.Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
- Use kind and uplifting words, but always be sincere
There is room for words that lift someone’s heart and bring comfort, but encouragement must always be sincere. Empty flattery can be harmful, while truth-filled kindness strengthens faith and hope.Proverbs 12:25 – “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Encouragement through a kind or uplifting word.)
Isaiah 50:4 – “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.” (Encouraging the weary with timely, sincere words.)
If this encouraged you, take a moment to let it settle in your heart instead of just scrolling past it. Real encouragement from God’s Word is meant to shape us, not just make us feel good for a minute.
And if you want to go deeper into how culture and social media can quietly pull our focus away from Christ, you might also find this helpful: 5 Subtle Ways World Culture Replaces Christ in Our Thinking. It looks at everyday influences that can replace Christ in our lives and helps you guard your heart and mind with Scripture.
Hi, I’m Dana, the voice behind Exhortations for Today. I’m a grandmother called Nonna, a home cook, and an aspiring quilter. I believe in the power of God’s Word to recharge and renew the weary soul. Here, I share devotionals, Bible study tips, and reflections on living a faith-filled life. Want to learn more about my journey? Read more about me here.
