There is strife, disagreement, controversy, and angst nearly everywhere we turn today. We all feel it and it can be smothering.
The political climate is as polarizing and negative as it has ever been. The pandemic has riveted our way of life and there is persistent disagreement about masks, openings and closures of everything, and no end in sight. Many people have lost their jobs, been furloughed, or live in fear that they will lose their job at anytime. Racial tensions are at an all time high with horrible instances of discrimination and death.
I believe that masks, although positioned that they protect us, are pulling us apart. People are hiding behind their masks. No eye contact in the stores. No “hello” or “how are you” when seeing people. In fact, we are walking past people we know in public places because we do not recognize each other. In addition, many are quarantining themselves to protect their health and don’t socialize or leave their home. We are distanced, literally, from each other more and more each day.
Let’s talk about social media. Political posts are everywhere. Commercials and comments are never ending, and most are not nice. The back and forth spewing of political and personal beliefs is rampant, and people are slinging negativity with no regard.
The verse that is on my heart today is “Do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly.” Micah 6:8
Convictions and beliefs are important. To some, their beliefs are the foundation of who they are as a person. Our beliefs are different based on where we grew up, what type of home we grew up in, our faith or religion, as well as where we live today.
In John 13:34 Jesus said “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” This was the last commandment Jesus gave to His disciples before he was crucified.
Jesus modeled kindness, devotion, love, and loyalty. Jesus loved the tax collectors, prostitutes, thieves, Gentiles (non Jewish people) as well as sinners. The Bible is filled with story after story of Jesus loving every sinner he came across. He loved people of different color, background, and faith.
We can disagree with each other. We can be irritated by one another. We might not even like each other. But, we can still listen, acknowledge our differences, and be kind. Perhaps it is best not respond to a social media post and not say anything. Let’s slow down and see what is going on around us. Let’s not take for granted a simple smile, compliment, or acknowledgment might be the only kindness a person receives that day. Restrain from piling on with negative comments. Don’t sacrifice your convictions but perhaps we should go about expressing our opinions in a different way.
I have as much intensity about my beliefs and convictions as anyone else. I am a work in progress. Let’s model for each other what love and kindness looks like, by loving one another. Kindness is contagious. So is negativity. Let’s start with love and kindness first. Jesus did.
Heavenly Father, We need you. We need to feel your presence and power. Wash over us with a sense of kindness, patience, and grace for others. Help us have compassion and love, even though we disagree with others. We know you are at work in EACH of our lives. Help us to hear what you want us to hear and see what you want us to see. Amen
