Unity in a Divided Time
Is it possible to be a faithful follower of Christ in with so much social division in the United States?
I believe Yes, it is possible. The changes in society should have no influence over Christians today. I think many times people are quick to defend or ignore the sins they commit and quick to condemn the ones they feel strongest about out of emotion, then they use the bible to justify their emotion. The heart can be as misleading as the mind. I do not believe this is what Jesus intended when he died on the cross for our sins. A Christian is to love what God loves and hate what He hates, but that person is to do so without casting judgment on our fellow humans. The Bible encourages believers to align their hearts and actions with God's principles while also maintaining a posture of love, grace, and humility towards others.
Loving what God loves entails embracing virtues such as love, kindness, compassion, justice, forgiveness, and humility. It means seeking to cultivate these qualities in ourselves and extending them towards others, regardless of their beliefs or actions. It involves valuing what is good, noble, and honorable according to God's teachings.
Hating what God hates refers to having a righteous indignation towards things that are contrary to God's nature and teachings. This can include behaviors such as injustice, oppression, dishonesty, hatred, and immorality. However, it is important to remember that the focus is on hating the actions or behaviors themselves rather than hating the individuals involved.
Casting judgment on people is not our role as humans, as the Bible teaches that judgment belongs to God alone. Instead, we are called to love and treat others with respect, seeking to be a positive influence and displaying the love of Christ through our actions and attitudes.
Jesus emphasized the importance of loving our neighbors, showing mercy, and avoiding a self-righteous attitude. He said, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1, ESV), highlighting the need for humility and self-reflection.
It is possible to align ourselves with God's values, loving what He loves and hating what He hates, while still maintaining a compassionate and non-judgmental stance towards others. This approach reflects the teachings of Jesus and promotes a balanced expression of faith and love.