Loving Our Neighbor In A Divided World: Can We?

 

The Struggle to Find Unity in a Divided World

In a world filled with division, many of us are worn out. The news, social media, even the people we love seem constantly at odds. From families divided by politics to friends disagreeing over social issues, our world feels splintered. It’s tempting to give up trying to bridge these divides – to stick to “our side” where it feels safer, where people share our beliefs. After all, reaching out to someone who disagrees with us isn’t easy; it’s uncomfortable, vulnerable. But maybe that very choice, the hard choice to love others even when we disagree, is exactly what our world needs right now.

The Cost of Living for Ourselves

When we focus only on our own interests, we risk losing what matters most. It’s easy to think, If everyone else is just looking out for themselves, why shouldn’t I? But that kind of thinking chips away at our integrity, our relationships, and our peace. Maybe you’ve felt it yourself – the quiet tug that says, This isn’t right. Living only for ourselves may seem satisfying for a moment, but deep down, it leaves us empty and unfulfilled.

A Lesson from the Ancient Past

This isn’t a new struggle. Thousands of years ago, there was a king in Israel named Ahab. He wanted a vineyard that belonged to another man, Naboth. It was Naboth’s family inheritance, and he didn’t want to part with it. But Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, urged him to take it by force, even if it meant the ruin of an innocent life. They took what they wanted, disregarding justice and respect for others. Ahab and Jezebel’s actions cost them dearly, and their story is a warning against placing our desires above God’s command to love others.

Choosing a Better Path Forward

Imagine if they’d done things differently – if they had honored Naboth’s right to his inheritance and valued him as a neighbor, not an obstacle. Their story might have ended in peace rather than destruction. Jesus reminds us of this path when He teaches, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). It’s a hard command, especially in a world that says, “Look out for yourself first.” But what would our lives look like if we really took this to heart? Who would we become if we loved and respected others, even when it’s uncomfortable?

A Call to Love In A Divided World

Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” God asks us to do the hard thing – to seek peace, to listen, to love even when it costs us. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a gift. When we love in this way, we honor God, and we mend our world. The choice is ours: will we be like Ahab, taking what we want, or will we be the ones who bring love, unity, and humility to a broken world? In honoring God’s command, we find our true purpose and give others a glimpse of His love.