FACEBOOK is not LIFE.
It is a part of life for some people; it is a substitute for life for some people, but it is not life.
FACEBOOK is not real life, but it is real.
Real life relationships can be found, made, built, destroyed on FACEBOOK.
FACEBOOK can be a place that we learn about our relationships with other people.
I cherish my FACEBOOK friends, but not all of my friends are on FACEBOOK, and I have some FACEBOOK friends that I have never met personally.
I love my FB friends, but not everyone I love is an FB Friend, just as I have friends in "real life" that I do not "buddy around with."
Life is more complex than social media relationships.
Love is not determined by a Friend List on social media.
I realize that my FB presence is pretty much a constant oratory on Christian living, and I realize that some of my friends are not interested in seeing and hearing a constant barrage of "preaching" or they are not interested in my view of these issues. That does not change my love for them. I understand this. As a result I very rarely (if ever) go onto their FB page and rant.
Likewise, there are people I know and love, who say things that are offensive to me. Most of the time I simply ignore it, or I hide the more offensive (vulgar, profane, obscene and prurient) comments. However, there are times when I see that my real life relationship is being attacked on an FB account. Rather than argue with that person, since they are usually unresponsive and resistant, I simply drop them from my FB friends list if it is a recurring problem.
Sadly there are people who profess faith in Christ, but their brand of Christianity does not allow for mutual respect and Biblical tolerance. There is an old adage that offers some good advice:
In Essentials Unity,
In Non-Essentials Liberty,
In All Things Charity (Love).
When I cannot find this kind of relationship, and when my faith and my life in Christ is being accosted, I choose not to make a "social media" circus online and therefore I end the FB relationship (which is a very rare situation).
I am a pretty tolerant person and I try to be a kind and considerate person (though I cut no slack for anti-Christian attacks), and most of my friends are very kind and sensitive as well. Sometimes we just agree to disagree, agreeably. It is especially interesting to me that some people, who make no profession of faith are actually easier to get along with than some people who claim the Name of Christ.
These concepts can be found in "real life" relationships as well. Sometimes a Christian relationship is not really possible, because Christian principles of interaction are ignored by one part of the relationship. When mutual respect and tolerance are lacking in the other person I seek to have an ongoing relationship (since I love them and Christ), based on simple civility and cordiality. Sometimes, even this is not possible. In such an event, that person must be left to the mercy and judgment of God, in hope that he/she will turn to Christ.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
(24) And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing,
(25) in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
(26) and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.
Romans 12:9-21
(9) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
(10) In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another;
(11) in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
(12) rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;
(13) communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.
(14) Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.
(15) Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
(16) Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
(17) Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
(18) If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
(19) Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
(20) But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.
(21) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
