By This They Will Know You
Photo by Ihor Malytskyi
“‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’” (John 13:34–35 NRSV).
According to Jesus, the most defining characteristic of his disciples was to be their love for one another. Indeed, this mutual love was commanded by Jesus, and he also taught that if a person genuinely loves him, then they will do what he commands (John 14:15).
Unfortunately, it seems to me that the behavior of many of us Christians today gives full meaning to the old saying, “with friends like this, who needs enemies?” Because I find this to be such a dire problem, I feel compelled to address it once again, though here in a different fashion from a previous article.
It is a presidential election year in America. Add to this the considerable debate surrounding our country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, widespread protests and riots over questions of racial inequality, and what had already been for some time a highly politically-polarized populace, and you have a perfect storm for dissension. American Christians are evidently not immune.
To be clear: it is perfectly appropriate to have strong opinions on various issues facing the country in which we live. It is also clearly the case that at least some of our opinions may be wrong and thus open to loving correction by others (as is my objective in this article). What places Christians in active disobedience to the Lord is when the passion for one’s opinion leads him/her to ridicule, defame, or flat-out condemn those with whom s/he disagrees. Such actions are simply antithetical to love.
Some may object here that those who claim the title “Christian” but do not hold to ideas and practices consistent with Christian teaching need to be exposed in no uncertain terms. However, more often than not, the divisiveness that seems so prevalent in our contemporary nation stem from complex issues that—all caricatures aside—allow for different interpretations consistent with the Christian tradition.
In other words, most serious positions held in the areas of, for example, immigration, economic policy, public health, racial disparity, etc., are much too complex to be summarily denounced as fundamentally unchristian. Moreover, the denunciation of people, and not merely the specific positions they may hold, simply because they are, say, members or advocates of the other major political party cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Such denunciations may rally one’s own political tribe, but I do not believe it is in keeping with the sort of humility, sober judgment, and, ultimately, loving spirit incumbent upon followers of Jesus Christ.
However, the answer to this problem lies not in keeping silent about our perspectives or sweeping our differences under the proverbial carpet. Rather, in my view, the answer—or the beginning of one—is actually quite simple. It is civility.
While it might be argued that this is something far less radical than the sort of love for which Jesus is calling, if we cannot even master civility, the command to love each other the way Jesus loves us will amount to little more than a sentimental platitude. In short, civility is a necessary starting point.
So how do we cultivate civility in our community, especially when it concerns such polarizing subjects as politics? Here are some thoughts.
First, as suggested above, recognize that many opinions we may come to hold concern complex issues—so much so that it will be highly unlikely that we have grasped all there is to know about them. Thus, critical openness to differing viewpoints and humility in our own perspective is imperative.
Assume as a starting point that others hold positions for the right reasons—that they are seeking the highest degree of good possible. Without extending some measure of “good faith,” honest discussion cannot happen.
Building upon 1 and 2, appreciate that most public policy positions will involve trade-offs whereby the proposed good to be achieved will inevitably mean some bad will consequently occur. This phenomenon is simply a fact of life in a fallen world. Remaining aloof to the potential negative consequences found in your own view while emphasizing the same in the views of others is a hallmark of either woeful naivete or intellectual dishonesty, both of which should be avoided.
Particularly for social media users: satire can be helpful to illustrate one’s point of view. However, it can also be employed in ways to indefensibly caricaturize and belittle people, and this has no place in Christian discourse.
Lastly, listen. Instead of immediately holding certain others in contempt, taking the time and effort to truly understand (best you are able) their reasoning is prerequisite to anything else we might do to foster civility.
When Christians do not demonstrate love for one another, the Christian community’s redemptive purpose in the world is inhibited and its very identity is distorted. As we strive to achieve this love, can we at least be civil to one another?
In the words of the apostle Paul, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3 NIV).