Blog post
The way we engage online—our words, actions, and intentions—should be guided by the same moral and spiritual standards and indigenous values we uphold in our communities.
John Wesley’s Three General Rules—Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love with God—provide a foundation for responsible digital engagement:
Do No Harm Online: Before posting, commenting, or sharing, we must ask: Will this harm someone? Cyberbullying, misinformation, and online exploitation can destroy lives. We must choose our words carefully and avoid engaging in digital behavior that brings harm.
Do Good Online: The internet can be a tool for justice, encouragement, and truth. We should use it to uplift others, stand against online abuse, and promote digital safety, positive engagement, and ethical technology use.
Stay in Love with God Online: The internet should not separate us from God but draw us closer to Him. Whether in the physical or virtual world, a sin is a sin. Digital spaces should reflect the same love for our neighbor, the Golden Rule—"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"—as well as compassion, justice, and peace. Perhaps alongside digital literacy, we also need digital spirituality, ensuring that our time online reflects our values and faith.
As we prepare to pray, let us reflect on our responsibility to create a safer, kinder, and more just digital world, knowing that how we engage online shapes the future for ourselves and generations to come.
Gracious and Loving God,
You have blessed us with the gift of connection, allowing us to share knowledge, build communities, and spread Your light in new ways. Today, on Safer Internet Day, we come before You, seeking wisdom and guidance as we navigate the digital world with responsibility and love.
Lord, help us to "Do No Harm."
May we be mindful of our words and actions online. Keep us from spreading misinformation, engaging in harmful discourse, or devaluing the dignity of others. Guard our hearts against the temptations of anger, envy, and division that so easily spread in the digital space. Let us be peacemakers, sowing seeds of kindness rather than conflict.
Lord, teach us to "Do Good."
Inspire us to use technology as a tool for justice, compassion, and truth. May we amplify voices that seek peace, support those who are vulnerable, and share messages that uplift and encourage. Help us to be digital disciples—witnesses of Your love and agents of change in an online world that so often feels lost and broken.
Lord, strengthen us to "Stay in Love with You."
Amid the noise of social media, remind us to seek You first. Help us to set healthy boundaries, protect our minds and spirits, and use our time online in ways that reflect Your grace. May our digital presence reflect our devotion to You, guiding others toward truth and hope.
God of all generations, we pray for a future where the internet is a place of respect, safety, and connection. May we take responsibility for our digital lives, knowing that what we do today shapes the world of tomorrow.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Amen.
About the author :
Rev. James Bhagwan is the general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC). He is based in Suva, Fiji.
