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Polarized Response

 

We have heard it said many times that there are two sides to every issue. That is true for the most part. I think that despite a sizeable amount of those whose stance is more towards the middle, we are seeing a wider gap forming between those “on the left” and those “on the right.” Are we slowly beginning to see the “middle” eroding away?

The pandemic, presidential election, and the various aspects of the “shutdowns” such as mask-mandates, staying home, and vaccines, have created a wealth of hostility, opinions, anxiety and arguments….to say the least. I believe we have come to the point where it is “one side or the other” with no middle ground.

Yet, there is still a place in which to stand that encompasses it all. In times of polarized responses around the world today, there is still a way to navigate the uncharted waters to be a holy people that love, serve, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Despite the sides we choose to stand and the beliefs we have regarding sensitive topics, we can still engage and encounter these situations in humility, love, and respect. Even if the inevitable is to simply “agree to disagree,” we can respond in a Christ-like manner that is glorifying to God.

We can glean some great advice from the book of 1 Corinthians:

8:9, “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.”

10:23-24, “You say, “I am allowed to do anything” —but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.”

10:31-11:1, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

When it comes to polarizing issues, I believe the best course of action for a Christian is to make sure our actions and reactions do not cause harm, discouragement, offense, or inadvertently raise any questions about the sincerity of our faith. The last thing we need to be is caught up and baited into heated arguments, name-calling, and harsh, slanderous, and derogatory statements.

We must live in the love of Jesus and conduct ourselves in such a way that we do not offend or hurt others on “either side” of an issue. When we are “not concerned for our own good” while “not giving offense” and “trying to please everyone,” we must realize we are not compromising or denying our beliefs. We are seeking ways to love and care for others because we understand that the “issue is not the issue.” The issue is how can I use this opportunity to show God’s love in the way I respond.

John 13:34-35, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

I believe that we can still show genuine concern, love and humility towards everyone regardless of what “side” they stand and what their opinions may be….especially in regards to the current pandemic, guidelines and mandates such as social distancing, wearing masks, and staying home as much as possible.

In a letter I received (as did all other Pastors) from our North Central Conference Superintendent, it was stated that, “Even if we question the seriousness of the virus, our attitude of demonstrating care for others is an example of living out the love of Jesus Christ. A person may feel that masks are unnecessary, but wearing a mask is a means of caring for others and demonstrating compassion.”

We can agree. We can disagree. But, one thing is for sure and that is we can all love and show the love of Jesus no matter the issue. The love of Jesus wonderfully fits into all situations. The love of Jesus is an expected response of Christians in all situations.

Let’s choose to love as Jesus loved. That doesn’t mean that we deny our beliefs or surrender our convictions in the process to allow people to walk all over us. That is not it at all. We simply do not allow any situation to be divisive, controversial, or a barrier that keep us from letting love be our ultimate response. In divisive issues that could cause polarizing responses, let us keep 1 Corinthians 13:8, in mind that “love never fails….”

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