MANILA, Philippines — Apart from being an avenue to post personal photos and promote endorsements, social media has been a platform for celebrities to share God's word to their millions of followers.
This Lenten season, let the following religious passages posted by celebrities on social media serve as inspirations for reflection.
Kris Aquino
Although bugged by controversies throughout her career, the “Queen of All Media” remained strong through the years. She is one of the celebrities who always posted Bible verses in her feed.
In her Instagram profile, instead of personal information, she wrote a verse from Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”
Recently, she posted a quote from Joyce Meyer’s “My Time with God: Renewed in His Presence Daily.”
“PRAYER: Apart from You, Jesus, i can do nothing. I will fail completely without YOU, so I ask for Your help, and i will give you the glory for any success that i achieve,” Kris said in her post.
Gary Valenciano
This multi-awarded musician is arguably the most vocal celebrity when it comes to religious beliefs. His songs “Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos,” “Take Me Out Of The Dark,” “Lead Me Lord,” “Warrior Is A Child,” among others, are not only proof of his love for Jesus; those songs are certified hits among Filipinos.
He recently posted a candle on his Instagram with the caption: “I’m just lead to share this with those who may be feeling as though their world is dark and heavy...lonely despite being surrounded by many. God bless you.”
Then it is followed by the Bible verse: “Take a good look at me, God, and answer me! Breathe your life into my spirit. Bring light to my eyes in this pitch-black darkness... –Psalms 13:3.”
Sharon Cuneta
The “Megastar” of Philippine showbiz is also one of the most religious celebrities the public has seen.
In her Instagram profile, Jesus is the first listed in her profile, followed by her family, travelling, and becoming a chef, among others.
She always posted Bible verses in her profile to lift her followers’ spirits.
Recently, she posted a verse that said: “For with God nothing shall be impossible. -Luke 1:37.”
Another post by the veteran actress said: “God can restore what is broken and change it into something amazing. All you need is faith. -Joel 2:25.”
Kim Atienza
After surviving several illnesses including a rare disease, Kuya Kim remained strong throughout the years and he credited it to God.
In his Instagram profile, he wrote he is a believer and “His grace is enough. All for His glory!”
In a recent post, he wrote: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV.”
He linked the verse with his passion for racing. He added: “Blessed to be able to draw people to Jesus because of fame but inversely It is easier to turn them away!”
“It will take eyes focused on Jesus and a heart filled with the Spirit (watered daily with the Word) to run steadily and mightily till my Finish line, encouraging and pacing others to finish strong as well,” he noted.
Ogie Alcasid
The celebrated singer-songwriter is also known in the entertainment circle as among the religious ones. Though he has a joker personality, he is serious when it comes to religion.
Recently, he posted two Bible verses with the caption, “We praise you Jesus our Lord and Savior!”
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8,” he wrote in the above post while at the bottom, the caption read: “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you!”
As bonus, here is a Bible quote from one of Instagram's most famous toddlers, Scarlet Snow Belo.