Divided We Stand: How to Love When We DisagreeSample

Divided We Stand

We can probably all agree that we live in divided times! We can feel it around our dinner tables, boardrooms, communities, and churches. Unfortunately, when we disagree with others, we often move away from them, creating our camps of “safety.” This leads to unhealthy division rather than fruitful disagreement and dialogue. Many of us wonder, “How do I love well when disagreeing with someone?”

We may have different reasons for struggling in this area, but they often fall into one of two camps. Some of us feel uncomfortable having conversations around these charged topics—we’d rather everything stay calm and easy. Others think that if we deeply know people we disagree with, it will be tantamount to declaring that we support their every choice. So instead, we distance ourselves from them.

Thankfully, we have Jesus, who was no stranger to disagreeing with great love! Jesus lived life among those wildly different from Him and was not afraid to disagree with them. Yet, people were still drawn to His love and grace. He invites us to join Him in this same journey today—to be known as His disciples by how we love others.

Reflection:

What makes this topic difficult for you?

Where might Jesus be calling you to follow Him into love amid disagreement?