In the USA, a recent survey found that “more than half of all Republicans and nearly half of all Democrats believe their political opponents to be ‘immoral’.” That seems to be a sign of the times, doesn’t it? Our world feels more and more polarized – we hold a strong view on a subject (eg: politics, theology, even Covid vaccines) and then anyone who sees things differently is wrong, crazy, or even immoral!
At our Saturday men’s group last week, we reflected on how Jesus dealt with people with whom he disagreed. It is so striking, don’t you think, that those whose lifestyle was very different to Jesus’ (think prostitutes and tax-collectors) nevertheless were drawn to him and knew that he loved them despite their differences? As I think about people with whom I disagree on important issues, I wonder whether they sense my disapproval, or instead experience the grace of God through me? Could that be a practical litmus test for how well we are loving our enemies?
At our Saturday men’s group last week, we reflected on how Jesus dealt with people with whom he disagreed. It is so striking, don’t you think, that those whose lifestyle was very different to Jesus’ (think prostitutes and tax-collectors) nevertheless were drawn to him and knew that he loved them despite their differences? As I think about people with whom I disagree on important issues, I wonder whether they sense my disapproval, or instead experience the grace of God through me? Could that be a practical litmus test for how well we are loving our enemies?