Facebook Fathers: Discerning Bitter Voices

The voices we allow to influence us shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Who we listen to matters—because not all correction is created equal. Some voices sharpen and refine, calling you higher, while others are laced with bitterness and unresolved wounds. The difference? It has real, identifiable markers.

Pastor Bill Johnson puts it like this:

“Once you join your heart to people, their voice matters to you, and not everything they say is Kingdom. What I’ve observed is that people in ministry often pick up the offense of those they serve. They use their authority to minister justice, but because it’s driven by the spirit of offense, it always goes past its intended target.”

I’ve seen this play out—especially in the online world. Some “Facebook fathers” and social media voices have allowed bitterness to take root so deeply that they don’t even recognize it. Under the banner of correction, they unknowingly spread their wounds to those who listen.

I know because I’ve been there. I used to post the most bitter, passionate “truth bombs,” thinking I was standing for righteousness. But as I was exposed to something healthier, I began to experience a stark contrast—one that ultimately led to healing.

So how can you discern when the influence you’re opening yourself up to is truly from the heart of Jesus versus when it’s tainted by unresolved offense? Here are some markers I’ve noticed when exposed to Godly influence:

Signs of Healthy, Godly Influence

✅ Conviction comes with hope. It doesn’t leave you feeling condemned, but invites you into transformation.
✅ Renewing your mind feels possible. Godly correction makes you believe change is within reach.
✅ You can breathe again. There’s a release, a lifting of tension—like a weight is being taken off your chest.
✅ It doesn’t breed bitterness. You won’t suddenly feel justified in despising a group of people. Passive-aggressive social media posts won’t even be tempting.
✅ You feel included, not excluded. Shame isolates, but Godly correction restores.
✅ Gratitude replaces lack. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, you begin to see what’s possible.
✅ Fear is silenced. The spirit of fear loses its grip when correction is rooted in love.
✅ It calls you to action. There’s an invitation to step forward, not just sit in regret.
✅ You recognize bitterness for what it is. And you refuse to take it on again.
✅ You love better. Because at its core, Jesus’ correction is always about love—loving God, loving others, and even loving yourself rightly.

A Prayer for You

Holy Spirit, I invite You into this space right now. If there is any bitterness I have unknowingly embraced—whether through those I follow, those I trust, or even my own past wounds—expose it in Your kindness. I release every offense I’ve carried, every voice that has led me into the ministry of bitterness, and every weight I was never meant to bear. I forgive those who spoke from their own wounds and ask that You fill my heart with Your truth instead. Let my correction always be rooted in love, my discernment sharpened by Your Spirit, and my heart healed by Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’ve been carrying the weight of bitter influence, you don’t have to anymore. Jesus corrects to heal, not to wound. Open your heart to His voice above all others.

Have you ever experienced the difference between bitter correction and Kingdom correction? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts.