It’s happened to all of us at one point or another.
You’re scrolling through your social media feed when you see your friend, co-worker, or family member post something that offends you. Maybe they are ranting about their politics that differ from yours, or perhaps they even disagree with your faith. “I can’t believe they think that way,” you mumble to yourself.
What do you do next time you see that person? Are you still just as loving as you were before? Do you see them differently?
These quarrels over beliefs that we hold dear, rather online or in person, can quickly split up close relationships. We write them off and we draw a line in the sand.
As Christians, is this the way we were called to live? Kirk Cameron answers this question in his weekly video series inside the exclusive community called The Campfire. So, how do we love those we strongly disagree with on the issues that really matter? His first response is this:
“First of all, I don’t think it’s optional, especially if you’re a Christian. Jesus told us to love our enemies!”
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 3:43-45
Does this mean that we can’t disagree with others? Absolutely not. We should always stand for truth, but we have to stand for truth in love. And the only way we can do that is by depending on God to give us love for those that are difficult to love.
Kirk goes on to say that when we make an intentional effort to love those we disagree with, “it makes a giant statement to the rest of the world about the kind of God that we serve and that we love.”
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35
To hear Kirk Cameron’s full answer, watch the video at The Campfire today. Remember: Loving others that are difficult to love isn’t always easy, but you can genuinely love others through the power of Jesus Christ that lives inside of you.
