This year has been a bit crazy. American politics are more than ever divided between the right and the left. Terrorism abroad and at home have people in fear and often their neighbors have become a source of that fear. Racial tensions are a powder keg of emotion and pain. It seems that there are divergent viewpoints on almost everything. In the theological world, pastors and scholars are under careful scrutiny for everything they do and say. This atmosphere of distrust and skepticism has produced a tumultuous amount of disunity, and tribalism reigns supreme in the changing culture of the 21st century. It is so easy for us to divide and disagree with others, and often, hatred and harshness mark our discussions and debates.
Recently, I have heard and read of Christians who foster a spirit of disunity. They call certain people heretics at a whim and demonize others when they disagree with them. The Christian virtue of Charity, or “love seeking understanding” of others, has all been lost. We as the church have failed to act charitable and have set a poor example for the world.
During some of the last moments with his disciples, Jesus gives them a new commandment. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Jesus gives the scope of this love by his own example of love towards them, by not only taking the role of a servant in washing their feet but while they were still sinners, Christ died for them. He taught his followers to image his act of love towards all in their daily life. It would be by this daily sacrifice of self that the world would know Jesus. It would not be by pristine doctrinal statements or an advancement of an earthly kingdom, but by the love of God displayed to others. One of the ways we can display this love is by being charitable to others; we can show a love that seeks understanding. Our foundation for this is in the incarnation. Jesus showed a love that sought understanding as he entered into our world, with all of its brokenness, becoming for us a meditator who advocates our case before the Father. (1 John 2:1). We can image Christ by entering into the lives, brokenness, and hurt of others in order to show a love that seeks understanding.
One of the psychological and spiritual needs of humanity is to be heard and understood. Have you ever felt underappreciated by a loved one, mentor, or boss because they failed to see where you were coming from? Have you ever tried to communicate your thoughts or feelings only to be misunderstood, taken out of context, and belittled by your audience? It hurts when we don’t feel heard and understood, and often it can result in us not feeling valued. This is where the Christian virtue of charity comes in.
When the Church engages the world, we must display the love of God in acting charitably towards others. When someone you know begins to share their thoughts and beliefs, be patient. They most likely don’t have everything figured out, but neither do you. Ask thoughtful questions with a spirit of humility so that the other person feels understood and knows that you love them. Give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to controversial statements and beliefs in an attempt to not misunderstand them.
Being Charitable does not mean that you can’t disagree with someone. Being charitable means disagreeing with a person after you have rightfully understood them. When it comes to dividing over certain issues, being charitable means you pick only the essential issues. We can passionately defend many things, but we can only die on one hill. As Christians, that hill must be Golgotha and none other. For the sake of unity, let us know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified when it comes to less important issues (1 Corinthians 2:2). And when it comes to issues regarding public policy, race and ethnicity, social and economic injustice, and all other hot button topics in these tumultuous times, let us not demonize our opponents but demonstrate charity, a love seeking understanding. It is only by this act that the world will lift up their eyes to the crucified King.
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