Scrolling Through Strife – Choosing Peace in a Culture of Outrage

A Devotional on Anger, Division, and Becoming Peacemakers

Opening Thought

Every swipe of the screen seems to bring another fight. Arguments rage in the comment sections, videos show people screaming at each other, and news feeds amplify conflict because outrage drives clicks. Social media has become a breeding ground for strife. And if we’re honest, it seeps into us. We scroll long enough, and we feel it—anger rising, cynicism creeping, division hardening our hearts. But Jesus calls His people to a different posture, not one of outrage, but of peace.

Scripture Readings

• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

• “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)

• “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9)

• “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14)

• “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20)

Reflection

From Cain and Abel’s conflict to Paul’s warnings against quarrels in the early church, Scripture repeatedly shows us the destructive power of strife. What begins as a spark of disagreement can quickly become a consuming fire. Social media magnifies this truth. Platforms profit from outrage, and we pay with our peace.

But anger—even when we feel it is “righteous”—does not produce the righteousness of God. Instead of softening us toward others, it hardens us. Instead of opening doors for reconciliation, it slams them shut. Our souls are not made to bear constant exposure to hostility.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This is not weakness—it is the strength of God’s Spirit to resist the current of conflict and choose reconciliation. In a culture that thrives on arguments, Christ calls His people to be living testaments of His peace.

Application

1. Pause Before You Post – Before commenting or sharing, ask: Will this build up or tear down? If it fuels outrage, it does not honor Christ.

2. Limit Outrage Consumption – Recognize when scrolling leaves you angry or bitter. Step away and replace the noise with prayer or Scripture.

3. Practice Listening – Be “quick to hear, slow to speak.” Even online, listening with grace disarms anger.

4. Be a Peacemaker – Look for opportunities to bring reconciliation in your family, workplace, church, and yes—even your online presence.

Closing Prayer

Prince of Peace, the world is filled with noise, anger, and division, and too often I let it fill my heart as well. Forgive me for the times I have added to the noise instead of silencing it with grace. Make me a peacemaker, Lord, even in a culture that thrives on strife. Let my words, my posts, and my thoughts reflect Your peace, not the world’s outrage. Amen.