Love Over Division, Right Over Wrong

In a World of Division, Choose Love, as Christ Did

In a world that often feels fractured, where headlines scream of conflict and social media feeds are flooded with outrage, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We're constantly presented with a stark choice: left or right, us or them, good or evil. The lines are drawn, and we're encouraged to pick a side and defend it fiercely. But in this constant tug-of-war, we're losing sight of something fundamental, something at the very heart of our faith: the simple act of loving one another, as Christ commanded.

This isn't a call to abandon your beliefs or ignore the issues that matter to you. Instead, it's a reminder that as Christians, our highest calling is not to win an argument, but to reflect the love of God to the world. The focus has shifted from what is right or wrong in God's eyes to what side you're on, and that's a dangerous path. We've become so focused on defending our positions that we've forgotten the person on the other side of it, the person for whom Christ also died. We've allowed political and social differences to blind us to our shared humanity and our shared identity in Christ.

Choosing to love one another in a world of hate is a radical act, one that mirrors the radical love of Jesus. It's an intentional decision to see past the labels and the rhetoric and to connect with the heart of another person, recognizing that they, too, are a creation of God. It's about recognizing that everyone has a story, a struggle, and a desire to be seen and heard. When we choose love, we are choosing to follow Christ's example—to listen before we speak, to empathize before we judge, and to seek understanding before we demand agreement. Jesus didn't just love those who agreed with Him; He loved the tax collectors, the sinners, and the outcasts. He reached across the very divides that society had created.

This is a challenge that requires courage and vulnerability, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. It's easy to love those who agree with us; the real test is loving those who don't. It's about reaching across the divide, not to win a convert with a clever argument, but to show them the unconditional love of God, to demonstrate that they are valued, regardless of their political affiliation or their worldview.

So, how do we start?

 * Pray for a heart of love. Ask God to help you see others as He sees them, to replace judgment with compassion.

 * Listen to understand. Instead of waiting for your turn to speak, genuinely listen to what the other person is saying. Try to understand their perspective, even if you disagree. Remember that every person is an image-bearer of God.

 * Look for common ground. We have more in common than we have differences. Focus on shared values and our shared humanity, created by God.

 * Practice compassion. Remember that everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. A little kindness, shown in the name of Christ, can go a long way.

The world won't change overnight, but it can change one person at a time. By choosing love, we're not just making the world a better place; we're also living out our faith and becoming more like Christ. In a world full of hate, let's be a beacon of light, a testament to the enduring power of God's love, and a reflection of His grace to all.