Author: Paul Tripp

Subtitle:

How the Gospel Transforms Our Actions and Reactions

Digital media and technology are altering the way people act—and react—toward each other. Criticism, outrage, and controversy dominate social engagement and unfortunately many Christians have joined in the chaos. It’s a troubling contrast to Jesus’s words in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Author Paul David Tripp instructs believers to view digital media and technology through the lens of the gospel and points them toward a biblical framework for communication. Explaining how God wants the church to engage with culture and each other, Tripp encourages Christians to think wisely about their interactions and be a beacon of light in an age of toxicity.

• A Biblical Look at Social Engagement: Discusses wholesome talk, the effects of “cancel culture,” and 5 false identity temptations including attention, power, and acceptance
• Applies Scripture Practically: Gives a gospel-centered framework for navigating digital life without confusion or destructive reactivity
• Great for Pastors, Parents, and Youth Ministries: Helps readers understand who they are in Christ so they won’t be swayed by a chaotic digital culture

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Reactivity
Chapter 2: Wholesome Talk
Chapter 3: Sin
Chapter 4: Grace
Chapter 5: Identity
Chapter 6: Glory
Chapter 7: Eternity
Chapter 8: Selflessness
Chapter 9: Limits
Chapter 10: Values
Chapter 11: Dignity
Chapter 12: Presence

General Index
Scripture Index

About the author:

Paul David Tripp (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a pastor, author, and conference speaker. He has written numerous books, including New Morning Mercies, and posts daily on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His nonprofit ministry exists to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Tripp lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and they have four grown children.

Endorsements:

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is meant not only to deliver our souls to heaven but also to transform our behavior on earth. And, deeper still, it is meant to transform our desires, our attitudes, and our instincts. It is even meant to transform our reactions and responses to those who oppose us, disagree with us, or sin against us. In this timely book, Paul Tripp calls us to react to the chaos around us in a distinctly Christian way that counters the toxicity that exists deep within our hearts and deep within our culture. If we would heed his call, the world would be blessed, the church would be strengthened, and the Savior would be glorified.”  ~Tim Challies, author, Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God

“Reactivity offers a rich gospel perspective for navigating relationships with Christlikeness. The practical applications paint a hopeful picture of what could be if we let God’s word transform us. A must-read for anyone engaging with others online!”  ~Ruth Chou Simons, Wall Street Journal bestselling author; artist; Founder, GraceLaced Co.

“In this helpful and timely volume, Paul provides us with a much-needed blueprint for the use of technology that not only avoids sin but also advances truth, beauty, goodness, and love in an otherwise hostile space. I can’t recommend Reactivity highly enough.”  ~Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church; author, Jesus Outside the Lines and Beautiful People Don't Just Happen

“Every day we find ourselves walking through a minefield of online rage. But now our friend Paul Tripp helps us turn from that ‘culture of toxic reactivity’ toward a community of life-giving response to Jesus. What could be more attractive—or urgently needed?” ~Ray Ortlund, President, Renewal Ministries

“Paul David Tripp says that logging off Twitter won’t get you away from angry reactivity. The polarizing way we communicate has seeped from social media into our families, our communities, and our churches. With wisdom and grace, Tripp lays a path from frustrated reactivity to gospel-centered communication. While this book would benefit anyone, I’d especially recommend it to any Christian leader on social media.”  ~Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, Senior Writer and Faith-and-Work Editor, The Gospel Coalition

“We communicate as much through our thumbs as with our lips, and with that come both unprecedented opportunities and dangers. Paul Tripp guides us with profound wisdom and insight. It’s hard to think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit greatly from reading this.”  ~Sam Allberry, pastor; author, What God Has to Say about Our Bodies

“In an age of harried and often thoughtless engagement through social media, Paul Tripp offers us a gospel pause. He gets the reader to stop and reflect on a Christian’s witness through our social platforms. I am so grateful for this resource and pray that the Lord would use it to foster wisdom for Christians to be salt and light in this world of unwise reactivity.”  ~John Perritt, author; Director of Resources, Reformed Youth Ministries; host, The Local Youth Worker podcast

“Paul David Tripp offers not only an accurate and sobering diagnosis of our day, but also a hope-filled treatment plan so that we might get better. Tripp rightly addresses the church—the rage is not just out there, it’s in here too. And he rightly reminds us of the gospel. By the end of the book I felt a renewed peace in our good and sovereign God, as well as a renewed drive to honor the Lord online, in person, and in my own heart.”  ~Jen Oshman, author, Enough about Me and Cultural Counterfeit