Polarization
What are your values? How’s does your faith lead you to stand in them?
Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
We live in hostile times.
We are well familiar with the word “polarization” and the sad reality that it is harder to stand on common ground and have vital dialogue with those with whom we disagree. Part of the problem is our culture, including the Church, has turned to construct identities based on ideology, and eventually partisan allegiance, instead of values.
The scriptures offer us wisdom for these contentious times: get rid of the bitterness and slander, be grounded in kindness and compassion. Standing by one’s values does not mean seeing people who disagree as “other” or “enemy,” nor does it mean shying away from disagreement; rather, true connection is found when people are true to their values and demonstrate them with kindness and compassion.
What are your values? How’s does your faith lead you to stand in them?