What kinds of arguments are you having with someone else? Are you arguing over politics? Do you argue over vaccines and masks? Are you allowing your differing opinions, whether based on fact or not, to be divisive? Do you see the destruction all around you?
There is more divisiveness today than there has been in my lifetime. We are divided on virtually every issue with hard lines drawn by both sides. We see people who are on the same side on one issue and opposing sides on other issues. These divisions are causing us to be divided in a checkerboard pattern.
The divisiveness we see across our country is not to be the case in the body of Christ. This is not to say we cannot disagree, but we are to continue to treat one another with love and respect. We are to be kind to one another. When we believe strongly in one point of view, it can be very challenging to show kindness toward another. How can we overcome our quandary?
We must first believe with all our heart in God. We must take to heart the two greatest commands as stated by Jesus—love God, love neighbor. Those beliefs must take precedence over our belief in anything else.
We also must see our fellow Christian as a follower of Christ. We must see them as a brother or sister. We must see them as Jesus sees them, a child of God whom God loves and cares for. When we do, the love of Christ will show itself through our treatment of one another.
As we serve one another in love, we find many of our differences are less important. As we get to know one another better and grow closer to God, we learn to care for one another deeper. Our love for one another and for God grows both through understanding and serving.
As we grow closer, God’s plan works more smoothly. Serving one another in love prepares us to serve our community. As we serve our community, showing them the love of God, we draw more people to Him, enlarging His kingdom.
I pray we all commit to loving God and one another. I pray we show the love of God to our community. I pray each one of us serve one another in love. Treat one another with respect. Love your brothers and sisters. Show God’s love to your community. Defeat evil with love. Draw others into God’s kingdom.
Galatians 5:13-15 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Marty Pressey 