Mentioning the hate and the ugliness that he sees on X and on the internet in general, Ortlund encouraged people not to engage with hateful online behavior. Instead, Christians should engage with “the silent onlookers. You speak to those who are troubled, who have a troubled heart, and you speak to them about the hope of the gospel.”
Third, Ortlund recommended that people spend less time on the internet. “The internet is radicalizing people,” he said. “It can affect us, and it is increasing our anxiety; it is distorting our perceptions…doesn’t mean we never go on, but just be mindful.” Instead, people should prioritize spending time outside and with others in person.
“The fourth thing is just taking it one step at a time, one day at a time, when we’re overwhelmed by evil,” said Ortlund. While this concept is “simple,” it can help with a lot of challenges in life.
Ortlund explained his plans for the rest of the day, plans that included going on a bike ride and spending time with his family. “This is the wisdom of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount,” he said. “You know, each day has enough trouble of its own. Don’t worry about tomorrow.”
Finally, Ortlund encouraged viewers to remember what Jesus suffered when he died on the cross for us. “The cross is there—you think you understand it. You think you know the meaning of it,” he said. “And then in your experiences of life, you come back to it and see the true depths of the meaning of the cross. It helps you understand what Jesus went through.”
“If we feel overwhelmed by evil, think of how Jesus felt, assaulted, violated,” Ortlund continued. “When we feel violated by evil, we feel injured with the pain of injustice…think how Jesus felt, betrayed by all his friends, his words horrifically twisted.”
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“And then [Jesus was] just utterly vulnerable on the cross, utterly, helplessly tortured. And yet, through that very thing,” said Ortlund, “God brought good, and there was resurrection hope on the other side. I think we need that when there’s terrible pain in the world, when we feel overwhelmed by evil, we need to remember resurrection.”
“And it just makes you love Jesus more. It makes you more grateful,” Ortlund said as he concluded. We realize that “the gospel really is good news, and [we can] anchor our hearts on that. So I pray that maybe some of [these] strategies could help you…This is what I’m focusing on.”
“Let’s look out for each other,” he said. “Let’s take care of each other, and let’s lean forward.”
As followers of Jesus, we have a hope that rises above the evil of the world. And no matter what happens, it's unshakable. — Dr. Gavin Ortlund @gavinortlundClick to Post
