Embracing Love, Rejecting Division
As Christians, we are called to live by a higher standard—one that reflects the character of Christ and the values of God’s Kingdom. At the heart of this calling is love. Love is not just a suggestion or a fleeting emotion; it is the foundation of everything we say and do. Jesus Himself emphasized this when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:33-34).
This command is more relevant now than ever. In a world that often seems divided and hostile, believers must rise above the fray and demonstrate the radical, transformative love of Christ. Racism, division, and strife are not just social issues—they are matters of the heart. And as people of faith, we must address these heart issues with the love of God as our guide.
Racism: A Heart Issue
Racism is not merely a political or cultural problem; it is a spiritual one. It stems from pride, fear, and a lack of understanding—issues that must be confronted within our own hearts before we can address them in the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to see every person as created in the image of God, valuable and worthy of love. When we allow prejudice, hatred, or indifference to take root, we fall short of the higher standard Jesus set for us.
Jesus demonstrated this standard by crossing cultural and social barriers in His ministry. He showed compassion to the Samaritan woman at the well, healed the Roman centurion’s servant, and told the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate what true neighborly love looks like. If Jesus Himself did not exclude anyone from His love, how can we?
Love as the Key to Unity
In times of turmoil and division, love is the key to healing and unity. As believers, our words and actions should reflect this truth. It has often been said that “there is an attack on Christians.” While external pressures and challenges are real, the greater tragedy is when the attack comes from within—when we, as the body of Christ, quarrel and tear each other down.
The Apostle Paul warned against this in Galatians 5:15: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Similarly, James 4:1 challenges us to reflect on the source of our conflicts: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” These internal battles—the desires for power, recognition, or superiority—can cause us to act in ways that do not honor God.
When a prominent Christian leader publicly criticizes others in ministry, it sends a message that is counter to the love and unity we are called to embody. This is not how we should represent God’s Kingdom, especially at such a pivotal moment in history. Instead, we must strive to build each other up, encourage one another, and work together to advance the Gospel.
John 3:16: The Heart of the Gospel
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known and powerful verses in Scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel—God’s unconditional love for a sinful world and His desire to save it.
Yet, how often do we truly live out this love? Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it. If God can love a broken and sinful world so deeply, how can we, as His followers, fail to love one another? This love is not limited to those we find easy to love; it extends to our neighbors, our enemies, and those who are different from us.
Jesus reiterated this command in John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” He also reminded us in Luke 10:27 to “love your neighbor as yourself.” These are not optional suggestions; they are the defining marks of a disciple of Christ.
Reflecting God’s Love in Our Lives
To love as Jesus loves is no small task. It requires humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to put others before ourselves. Isaiah 43:4 reminds us of how precious we are in God’s sight: “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” This same love that God has for us is the love we are called to extend to others.
So, how do we live this out in practical terms?
· Guard Your Words: Speak life, not division. Before criticizing or condemning, ask yourself if your words reflect the love of Christ.
· Build Bridges: Reach out to those who are different from you. Listen, learn, and seek to understand their experiences.
· Forgive Freely: Let go of grudges and bitterness. Forgiveness is a powerful act of love that mirrors God’s grace toward us.
· Serve Others: Look for ways to meet the needs of those around you, whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or encouragement.
· Pray for Unity: Ask God to heal divisions within the Church and to make us a unified witness to the world.
The World Will Know Us by Our Love
In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our love for each other is not just a private matter; it is a public testimony to the world. When we fail to love, we undermine our witness and misrepresent the God we serve.
In these tumultuous times, let us remember that we are ambassadors of Christ. Our actions and attitudes should point others to the hope and salvation found in Him. The world is watching, and it is through our love that they will see the reality of God’s Kingdom.
Conclusion: A Call to Love
As Christians, we are held to a higher standard—not by human expectations, but by the example of Christ Himself. Love is the cornerstone of our faith and the key to overcoming the divisions and challenges we face.
Let us commit to loving one another as Jesus has loved us. Let us reject racism, division, and strife, and instead be known for our compassion, humility, and unity. In doing so, we will not only honor God but also draw others to Him, fulfilling our calling as His disciples.
The command is simple, yet profound: “Love one another.” May we live it out daily, for the glory of God and the good of all.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 