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

Go! Love Well in a Divided Culture!

Over the last nine days, we’ve looked at ways in which we can strive to love well in a divided culture. From our differences with those in our own families and neighborhoods to those across the globe, connected through online media—we are all uniquely made individuals, also created in the image of our God. It’s challenging to navigate conversations and disagreements when there are fundamental differences in our views and beliefs.

It's a battle, and we know that as followers of Jesus, we’re on the winning side. Arming ourselves with the armor of God on a daily basis through Spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading the Word, praise and worship, meditating and listening, and daily confession and repentance, help align our heart’s desires with the Lord’s.

Our challenge to you is to deepen your walk with Christ. As you draw closer to Him, your ability to love and extend grace expands. We aren’t called to judge, but we are called to love well despite our differences.

For those who don’t know Christ, the reality is that they are headed down a path of destruction that leads to death. Understanding this reality for others should drive us to love and compassion. It is only in Christ that we are made alive—accessing eternity with Him. For those in our lives who don’t know Him and hold different worldviews that shape their belief systems, we can pray for them and be vessels of Christ’s genuine love.

As you interact with others, remember how Jesus treated you when you were far from Him. Did He try to win arguments with you, was He volatile or abrasive, or did He gently correct you and guide you toward His open, loving embrace?

Don’t let your own agenda and desires cloud and muddy the waters, creating barriers for someone coming to know Christ. Love well in a divided culture, and share the love of Jesus with everyone you encounter!

Father, thank You for loving me well. When I was far from You, You transformed my life. Your love met the opposition in my soul and changed me forever. Thank You! May the love, grace, and mercy that You pour out to me be evident in all my interactions with others. When people look at me, let them see You! Help me love well in a divided culture despite the circumstances. Guide me as I navigate the challenges that come along, equipping me with the sword of the Spirit and Your full armor! Amen.

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you. … Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." - Luke 6:31, 35-36

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