Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
Both men emphasized staying rooted by Word, prayer, church connection, calling people, fasting from social media, and refusing circular fights with “Thomas” types; what concrete boundaries (time, platforms, topics) would you need to set to preserve love and sanity, and how would you measure whether your energy is going into anxious argument or into serving “brothers and sisters who are out of work” rather than expecting government to bail them out?
Another way to ask: What clear limits (time, apps, topics) do you need to set to stay loving and mentally healthy? How will you tell if your energy is going into anxious arguing online or into helping church members who are out of work?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript points toward setting intentional limits on social media/news and redirecting energy into Scripture, prayer, community connection, and concrete brotherhood care—especially financial help for those out of work. You can measure fruit by whether your time produces anxiety and arguments, or prayer, calls, and tangible support.
- Hans: “You have to spend time in the Word and prayer,” because “where you put your thoughts and your time is where your brain is going to go.”
- He describes church connection: prerecorded message, Zoom fellowship/testimonies, even an “online talent show.”
- He is “purposeful” about calling people: “How are you doing? How can I pray for you?”
- Both warn against social media cycles: Hans says it’s “more anxiety-inducing than productive”; Richard took “a one-week fast from… Facebook.”
- Both refuse circular fights: Hans cites “Thomas… unless I see it,” and says he won’t spend much energy on that.
- Economic care: Richard urges churches to “step up and help” bivocational leaders/jobless; Hans warns against assuming “the government… bails people out,” saying it’s the “duty” of brothers and sisters.