“Humility Still Matters: Learning to be Gentle in a Loud World”

In our day, it seems that everyone with an internet connection has become a self-appointed authority on Scripture. Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X have given rise to a new kind of preacher—one who speaks with the confidence of a pope, declaring opinions ex cathedra as though from the very mouth of God Himself. With bold certainty, these voices label others as false teachers, condemn doctrines as heresy, and dismiss differing views without either a moment of hesitation or an ounce of humility.

What is most troubling is not simply their tone, but their assumption of infallibility. Many of these individuals leave no room whatsoever for the possibility that they themselves might be wrong. They seem unfamiliar with the biblical call to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and to “in meekness instruct those that oppose themselves” (2 Timothy 2:25). Their words lack gentleness, and their goal seems more to win arguments than to win souls or to help a struggling brother.

The apostle Paul reminds us that the servant of the Lord “must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24–25). This is not a suggestion—it is a description of what true Christian ministry looks like. The teacher’s role is not to dominate the conversation, but to patiently and humbly lead others toward the truth, trusting that repentance and understanding come from God, not from our forceful words.

Truth, of course, matters deeply. Yet truth is not determined by the loudest voice or the most persuasive personality. It is found only in the written Word of God. No matter who proclaims something—no matter how many followers they have or how eloquent their arguments may sound—if their teaching contradicts Scripture, it is not true.

If we are to speak on behalf of God, we must do so with the reverence and care that such a task demands. Every true doctrine must be shown plainly from Scripture—not merely a single verse lifted out of context, but within the full light of God’s revealed Word. It is not what I say it means, nor what we think it means, but what God has said. The authority of the believer rests not in personal insight or popularity, but in the sure and sufficient Word of the Lord.

May we, then, recover the lost art of biblical humility. Let us speak the truth—yes—but speak it in love, with meekness, and in the fear of God. And when we cannot do that, it is far better to remain silent than to speak pridefully in His name.

For in the end, the only voice that matters is the one that still says, “Thus saith the Lord.”

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Mary Pettry writes from her home in the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina.