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Staying Together

There’s an old song called “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” and it’s got a point. But you know what’s harder? Staying together.

Disintegration isn’t remarkable. Entropy isn’t remarkable. Disunity isn’t remarkable. Unity is.

This is why in today’s devotional I want to ask you to do something downright shocking in today’s online environment: Be radically charitable to your Christian brothers and sisters. Be downright deferential. Consider them better than you, as Philippians 2 says. Demonstrate humility and love in every interaction.

Do not insult their intelligence. Do not mock them. Do not presume them to be beneath your sophistication. Assume the best of their intentions. Do not belittle them. 

If you want to engage their ideas and disagree, do so. But also find something they’ve said you can agree with, and comment on it. Offer a quick, genuine prayer for them and their family before you comment. 

Consider a direct message rather than a public comment to engage a discussion. That alone will defuse much tension.

If they get testy with you or put you down, consider how you can encourage them. (If that sounds too far-out, imagine the reaction people had to Jesus when He said to bless those who curse us.) Remember that few online arguments actually solve anything. Don’t expect their next comment to be, “You’re right! I’ve seen the light!” That’s not how people work.

Consider what Paul wrote to believers in Rome who had serious disagreements: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Romans 14:19). He told the Corinthians that even if we’re saying wonderful things, even if we’re doing wonderful things, but we’re not doing them out of love, we’re just annoying noise (see 1 Corinthians 13:1–4).

Remember your own status as someone who has failed and needed rescuing. Offer forgiveness to others because of what God has done for you, whether they deserve it or not.

It’s hard to humble ourselves and serve others. But this is exactly what following Jesus looks like and has always looked like.

Pray before every post you make on social media today.