Beloved in Christ,
I speak to you today as a shepherd deeply concerned for the spiritual well being of God’s people in a time of growing noise, confusion, and deception. We are living in an age where information travels faster than wisdom, and where voices from the secular world aggressively seek to shape our thinking, emotions, and convictions, especially through social media.
Scripture warns us clearly that not every voice deserves our attention, and not every message deserves our agreement. The Word of God says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
Many of the posts circulating widely today are intentionally designed to stir fear, outrage, anxiety, hatred, and suspicion. They appeal to emotion rather than truth, and to repetition rather than discernment. Sadly, the Church in Kenya has not been immune. Many believers are sharing, believing, and defending narratives that are untested, exaggerated, or entirely false, sometimes with more passion than they defend the Gospel itself.
Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Fear does not come from truth, and confusion does not come from God. Scripture reminds us that God is not the author of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). When content consistently leaves us anxious, angry, hopeless, or hostile, we must pause and ask, What spirit is at work here?
The apostle Paul exhorts us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Yet many believers are being shaped more by social media narratives than by Scripture, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. When Christians begin to sound more like political commentators, tribal defenders, or online agitators than ambassadors of Christ, something has shifted out of alignment.
The Bible calls us to discernment, not gullibility. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). This instruction applies not only to prophetic utterances, but also to viral videos, trending opinions, and unverified claims. The Bereans were commended because they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether what they were hearing was true (Acts 17:11). How much more should we carefully test content from anonymous sources and secular platforms.
Fear based messaging is especially dangerous. Scripture tells us plainly that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). When fear dominates our thinking, truth becomes negotiable, lies begin to feel reasonable, and hatred begins to feel justified. Yet the wisdom that comes from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruit (James 3:17).
It is also important to speak clearly about our posture as believers toward our nation and its leadership. Scripture does not permit hatred of one’s country, nor does it endorse the spirit of constant contempt, accusation, and verbal violence that is often justified today in the name of democracy. A believer who becomes captive to hatred toward their nation participates, knowingly or unknowingly, in a tyranny of bitterness that is not born of the Spirit of God.
The Word of God commands us to speak and act differently. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you” (Ephesians 4:31). While Scripture allows for truth, correction, and righteous critique, it never endorses hatred, mockery, or the perpetual badmouthing of leaders. We are instructed to pray for those in authority, not curse them, “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1 to 2).
Hatred toward one’s nation is not godly, and it does not represent the true meaning of being both a believer and a citizen. It hardens the heart, clouds judgment, and creates spiritual prejudice. When hatred takes root, it becomes difficult to receive godly counsel, difficult to discern truth accurately, and difficult to listen without bias. Truth is then filtered through anger rather than humility, and discernment is replaced by suspicion.
Scripture warns us that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). When believers allow hatred to define their posture, they lose the ability to handle truth soberly and to engage issues with wisdom, balance, and spiritual clarity. The Church is called to be a healing presence in the nation, not an amplifier of rage.
Jesus Himself warned that deception would increase in the last days, saying, “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4). Deception is rarely obvious. It often comes clothed in partial truths, emotional language, and a sense of urgency. Repeated exposure dulls spiritual sensitivity until lies feel normal and truth feels extreme.
We are therefore called to spiritual sobriety. Scripture says, “Be sober minded, be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8). Before sharing any post, we must ask ourselves, Is it true? Is it verified? Does it align with Scripture? Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit? Does it glorify Christ, or does it inflame division?
The apostle Paul gives us a timeless filter for our minds. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Anything that trains us to live in constant suspicion, hostility, or despair is not discipling us in Christ.
Remember this truth. The Church is not called to be a carrier of fear, but a pillar of truth. Scripture declares that the church of the living God is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). When believers spread falsehood, hatred, or reckless speech, even unintentionally, the witness of Christ is weakened, and the light of the Gospel is dimmed.
Let us therefore repent where necessary. Let us slow down, seek wisdom, verify carefully, and submit our minds again to the lordship of Christ. Let us choose truth over virality, peace over outrage, and discernment over impulse.
May the Lord guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), and may we shine as lights in a dark and confused world.
Bsp Gobanga J.O.
Presiding Clergy, INFEMI