The Problem with Random Scripture Posts on Social Media

And What to do Instead

I was innocently scrolling through social media, my mind half on Christmas shopping and half on watching the cat videos the algorithm thinks I’ll like.

Then, an ad caught my attention.

A sweatshirt.

Curious, I looked closer—because I’m old, my glasses don’t always do their job, and for a second, I thought my eyes were deceiving me.

As someone who loves sarcastic, faith-based attire, I snorted when I read the message on the shirt:

💡 “I can do all things through a verse taken out of context.”

As a faith reconstructionist who thrives on context, I was immediately hooked.

I did what I always do when I find these gems—first, I sent it to the family group chat. Then, I sent it to my cousin (who also happens to be our youth pastor and one of our speaking pastors).

While I didn’t agree with all of the theology on their website, I did enjoy browsing their shirts—especially the one featuring Jael driving a tent peg through Sisera’s temple. (Iconic.)

Soon, my family was laughing, sending screenshots, and making their Christmas wish lists.

Now, at this point, you might be wondering…

What does this have to do with writing?

Great question.

The Problem with Random Scripture Posts

I love scripture.

I love a well-placed verse in a blog post, a sermon, or a devotional.
I don’t love scripture being tossed into a social media post with no context, no explanation, and no connection to the audience.

Hear me out.

I went to Bible college.

I know what it’s like to be around people who casually drop random verses into every conversation—whether they fit or not.

And honestly?

It makes me want to bang my head against the wall.

In the same way, when I’m scrolling Instagram and see a post with Jeremiah 29:11—with zero explanation—from an author who helps divorced women live shame-free lives, I also want to bang my head against the wall.

And before you clutch your pearls, I get it. “God’s plans, prospering, etc., etc.” But my question is:

📌 Where’s the connection to the pain points of the audience?
📌 How does this verse support what the author is writing about?

If there’s no connection, what purpose is the post serving?

If it’s not helping your audience and not connected to your writing, then it’s just… there. Floating in the void.

And I don’t want your posts to feel like that.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

What a Stronger Scripture Post Looks Like

Instead of a random verse drop, here’s a better approach:

Let’s say you’re writing to Christian moms who feel overwhelmed.

Instead of simply posting Matthew 11:28 (“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”) with no context, you could caption it like this:

"Mama, if you’re running on fumes today, feeling like there’s no break in sight—Jesus sees you. He invites you to rest, not just in body but in soul. This verse isn’t just words; it’s a promise. What’s one way you can slow down and receive His rest today?"

See the difference?

Now, the verse is directly connected to the audience’s struggles. It speaks to them instead of just existing near them.

How to Share Scripture on Social Media with Purpose

If you love sharing scripture—and you want to do it effectively—here’s how to make it meaningful:

1. Use scripture from your blog posts.

If you’re a faith-based writer, you’re likely incorporating scripture into your content. Pull those verses into your social media posts—but make sure they connect back to your writing and your readers’ struggles.

2. Connect an idea from your writing to scripture.

If your blog post addresses a pain point your readers face—and scripture supports that—use it! Just make sure your caption clearly explains the connection between the verse, your message, and your audience.

3. Use scripture to reinforce a key takeaway.

If you reference scripture in your writing and find additional verses that further develop your message, use those in social media posts. Again—context is key.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Why This Matters

Let’s be honest: Posting scripture is easy.
It’s familiar. It’s what we know.

But are we serving our readers well if we’re just dropping verses with no context or connection?

When we post scripture, we have an opportunity to:

✅ Provide clarity—not confusion.
✅ Show readers how scripture applies to their struggles.
✅ Help them see how God’s Word speaks to their lives.

If we don’t do that, we’re just throwing out verses and saying, “Here, figure it out.”

And that’s not what we’re called to do.

Your Challenge This Week

As you plan your social media content, do me (and your readers) a favor:

🚫 Avoid random scripture posts with no context.
✅ Be intentional. Make the connections clear.
✅ Show your readers how scripture speaks to their real-life struggles.

How do you currently approach scripture in your content? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇

Need help with your social media? Book a call with me today, and let’s figure it out together!