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

Love Well in a Divided Culture: Building Relationships

Have you ever been approached by a stranger or someone you don’t know really well at all, and they started giving you unsolicited advice? You probably feel frustrated by this intrusive conversation, or you may just completely dismiss the stranger altogether. They don’t know you, they don’t know your situation, and it’s none of their business.

But what happens when your closest friend, mentor, or loved one approaches you with a concern? You may be more inclined to listen and engage in a conversation. It may be difficult, but you know this person intimately and trust that they have your best interests at heart.

In these situations, the individuals may have had the same concern, but the approach and outcome are very different. Relationships are crucial in these situations. We are far more likely to be open to advice when we trust the person.

As we’re navigating difficult conversations, let’s look to Jesus as a great example of someone who built relationships with others who held different worldviews and beliefs. He gathered a group of 12 men, all sinners, all walking in their own ways of the world, and met them where they were. He ate with them. He journeyed with them. He spent time with them. He built a relationship with each of them individually. He called them friends. He practiced what He preached—living out godliness right in front of them on a daily basis.

Because of the way Jesus lived and loved them, the disciples wanted to know Him; they wanted to be like Him. They wanted to model His practices. In following Him and listening to His Word, they were convicted by the truth. He spoke with wisdom and God’s anointing.

Their lives were transformed by Him and His Word. Believers have the same living Holy Spirit of God within us, allowing us to speak, love, and live in a way that reflects Christ. Through our actions and words, others can be drawn to Jesus and His truth, too!

Build relationships with those around you. Love them well. Meet them where they are. That does not mean that you agree or support their worldviews and beliefs, but you care for them. As you walk with them, ask God to shine through your words and actions. Let His love be evident through your interactions.

As we seek to love well in a divided culture, we need to be courageous. Use loving words, gently rebuke lies, and correct misunderstandings, all while leaning into the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As you wear the full armor of God, you’re equipped with all the tools you need to engage in these conversations. You’re not going to win every battle, but you’ll be standing on God’s truth, and His Word doesn’t return void.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. - Isaiah 55:11

Building relationships takes time, and life transformation only happens through the work of the Holy Spirit in someone’s heart. Ultimately, you are not responsible for someone’s heart conversion, but you are responsible for how you present yourself—a representative of Christ.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. - Romans 12:9-13

The following passages of Scripture offer direction on how we ought to treat one another, despite the situation or circumstances.

• Mark 12:31
• John 15:12
• Ephesians 4:2
• Philippians 2:3
• 1 Peter 4:8

Spend time today praying through these verses of Scripture, and choose one to commit to memory. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you release any of your own agenda and focus on the truth of these Scriptures and His guidance as you build relationships and love well in a divided culture!

Heavenly Father, Your Son left the greatest example of living out Your love. Help me to be intentional about building relationships with those around me who hold different beliefs. Make it known where You want me to start. Equip me to set aside my own desires and focus on the truth of Your Word, memorizing Scripture to have readily available as my trusty sword. Help me to love well in a divided culture while sharing Your transforming truth. Anoint me with Your Spirit when the difficult conversations rise. Let my heart and words be pleasing to You, reflecting Your love and compassion. You are the Rock on which I stand, O Lord, my redeemer. Amen.