Love Well in a Divided Culture: Navigate Challenging Times With Jesus' LoveSample

Love Well in a Divided Culture: Responding With Humility

We live in a culture marked by division; people come from diverse backgrounds and belief systems that shape their worldviews. These differing perspectives can sometimes be off-putting to those who do not share them. So, how can we effectively engage in conversations with those whose beliefs starkly contrast with our own?

When approaching these challenging situations in our divided culture, we must learn to set down our own agenda and desires as we listen for guidance from the Holy Spirit. We can look to Jesus as the greatest example of humility.

In Jesus’ day, cultural differences abounded. Interactions between men and women were bound by rules and regulations. Elite religious leaders didn’t associate with those who weren’t following Jewish laws. Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans. In our world today, we may not experience the same cultural differences, but nonetheless, they are present even within our own communities and churches! Let’s look to John 4 to see how Jesus loves well in a divided culture.

Jesus planned His visit to the well to wait for the Samaritan woman while His friends went to get food. She was surprised to see anyone at the well at that time of day, let alone a Jewish man. She intentionally timed her visit to the well to avoid interacting with her own people, who scorned her because of her lifestyle.

In His humility, Jesus laid aside the cultural expectations of the day to seek out this woman. He asked her for a drink from the well. She questioned His request, pointing out that He was a Jew and she was a Samaritan woman. Jesus didn’t care about the cultural norms; He cared more about her soul than anything else.

They had an awkward conversation. He spoke the truth about her current lifestyle. Jesus was Holy. He was God in the flesh, and yet His love and wisdom poured out when He conversed with her, not judgment. He didn’t shame her or speak condescendingly. He didn’t make her clean herself up before he offered her Living Water. She not only did not deny the truth about herself, she wasn’t defensive about hearing it. The comfort she experienced through this respectful conversation helped her lay down her social prejudice and receive the Living Water He offered. Her overflowing joy prompted her to gather her people to meet Jesus, leading to the salvation of many Samaritans.

There were times when Jesus ate and drank with tax collectors and “sinners” that surprised those around Him. Jesus didn’t and still doesn’t care about our social position or reputation. He always bridges cultural differences to save those who are lost.

The power of Christ is displayed here in these accounts, and we, too, have the ability to use discernment as we humbly submit to the Holy Spirit and love well in a divided culture.

As a believer, you represent Christ. For His namesake, how will you respond when challenging discussions arise? How will you initiate difficult conversations?

Holy Spirit, Your Word says to trust in You and to not depend on my own understanding. I want to seek Your will above my own agenda and follow the path in which You lead me. Help me to humbly submit myself to You each day, following Your lead. Help me lay down any past prejudices and break down any personal barriers that I’ve put up. Open the door for others to be able to hear past their own beliefs. Give me great discernment and guide my heart, words, and actions. In Your power and strength, anoint me to represent You well. Give me a humble spirit, completely committed to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. - Proverbs 3:5-6