Taking Sides

Do you feel drained by the constant onslaught of opinions? The for? The against? Conversations swiftly turning to conflict.  What if I told you these opinions are not the root of the problem I see?

As I lean in to listen, I hear hearts heavy with fear, weighed down with worry. We  face losing our jobs and businesses, our kids’ mental health is in crisis mode and stress is rampant as we try to put one foot in front of the other, terrified of the unknown.  But sister, we really never knew what tomorrow would hold, did we?

There has always been danger in the world. This is not new. But here, in my lifetime (let’s round down to 50 years out of kindness), we’ve had it pretty easy. My hubby would say we’re soft.

I’ve never feared my sons may be drafted to fight in a war, my access to clean water would dry up or I could be systematically beheaded for my faith. This is Canada. I’m Canadian not because I deserve it, but because I was born here in the nation of nice people. We hold doors, we smile and apologize. We’re Canadian, living in the land of the free.

But lately, I sense a disturbing shift in the atmosphere. Do you feel it? There is a strong sense that this freedom is slowly but surely slipping away.

There is division among us. The people of our country and the people of our church. We are being split up and set apart. We’re being divided by our opinions and our beliefs in a way I have not seen in the church and my neighbourhood before now.

I bet you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Don’t you see? The problem isn’t a virus. The problem isn’t the law or the rules or even our own opinions. I believe the problem is much deeper.

The issue I’m referring to is what Jesus called “love.”  Let’s take a step back and do a self-check. Won’t you join me? How are we loving people today? How are we caring for others? Who are we called to love? What does that look like in real life?

Here’s the kicker, in the form of a question. Am I willing to set aside my own feelings and opinions, (which by the way burn hot inside of me, poised to pounce and set some people straight, I might add)?

The issue at hand is not the level of danger in the air, it is the absence of love. This is super challenging when emotions run high. After all, we were created to feel passionately. But we are commanded to love.

If Jesus was walking in his sandals in our city today, I can’t predict if he would be a masker or a bare facer; jabbed or declining to show his personal health status. But I do know he would exude love.

He touched the infectious skin of the leper with his own hand. He sacrificially poured his love on all people, even those whose opinions were opposite to what he knew to be true.

Here are some thoughts I’ve been challenging myself with today:

Reminders of truth

• Division is bad.
• Kindness is good.
• We don’t know their story. They don’t know ours. (Judgement is bad).
• Give grace.
• Find common ground.
• Think before you speak.
• Encourage a sister who is feeling scared. Pray with her. Pray for her.
• Step back when you feel emotions ramping up.
• Learn to walk away.
• Instead of replying (especially on social media) Click it OFF.
• Look for opportunities to love on people.
• Fill your head with TRUTH.

Remember God IS in control. This is not plan B.

Listen, sister, the enemy of our souls is dividing us through fear and lies. He is tricky. As Jesus girls, let’s remember we are on the SAME TEAM !

Let’s promote Love and Unity and remember we know who holds the future.

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1Cor 1:10

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22-23

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8

8-12 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Whoever wants to embrace life
and see the day fill up with good,
Here’s what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you’re worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he’s asked;
But he turns his back
on those who do evil things.

1Peter 3: 8-12