Our identity is defined by something. So, when people look at you, who do you reflect? If someone snooped on your social media, where would they say your allegiance lay? When you talk about people or causes or politics or Covid or whatever, is it Jesus in you that’s coming through? We have to stop allowing the circumstances in the world to dictate how we speak to one another and how we love one another. If we are claiming Christ as our Lord, our language should be defined by love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control – even if or when we disagree adamantly with whomever we see on the opposing side. Our opinions and causes need to align with the Word of God. After all, we are trying to advance His Kingdom, right, not our own?
In God’s Kingdom, He expects us to stand united not divided. That’s hard to do sometimes, but not impossible. If it were impossible, God wouldn’t command us to fight for unity or hold us responsible for it. Unity doesn’t mean you have to silence your opinions or your cause. It just means you talk about them with love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and with self control! Unity means you try to listen to opposing opinions and viewpoints. You will either see their side or both sides can politely agree to disagree, but you make the effort because Jesus is living in you, right? We’re living out His new life through us, right? And that reality impacts our relationships, right? Make sure Jesus is defining your identity. People will hear you better. People will see Christ through you more clearly. Make sure people see Jesus in you because, honestly, anything less is flesh.