Can we just stop being divisive?

by | Posted April 19th at 11:48pm

“I came to break down the division walls” (Ephesians 2:14)

When discussing controversial issues, we may lose sight of the cooperative aspects of arguing. Metaphorically we think arguing or debating a point is not friendly, but rather “a battle” to selfishly win. That means win-lose, someone has to lose, be slanderously demonised, shouted down, spiritually murdered or given the proverbial boot. The singular winner with their group followers must gloat in superiority and wear the laurel wreath. 

Where is the victory when more division bells toll and people rally ideologically in a medieval-like furore? When frenzied crowds get ready to trample and kill? When we adulate the win-lose mindset many remain deaf and blind to all things new!

As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Alternatively, view debate as win-win. Look to incorporate a viewpoint that you might have missed, or traditionally overlooked. View someone who is arguing debatingly with you as giving you attentive time, a valuable commodity, in an effort at mutual understanding. But when we are preoccupied with the battle aspects, we often lose sight of the potentially rewarding cooperative unifying elements. In our self-driven competitive culture, notably our political standoffs and often our religious traditions are sadly preoccupied with oppositional viewpoints: whose right? Who won the contest?  

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

Jesus himself, said “I came to break down the division walls”, and further the Spirit will lead you into all truth. If we forgive and give up our grudges, listen, viewing others with love, we might learn something we otherwise would never hear nor see.

Article posted by Glen R. Jackman, founder of GraceProclaimed.org

Glen has optimized his eldership role to teach the full scope of the New Covenant of Jesus Christ without boundaries.
You can read his testimony.