United in Love
I’m trying to be very intentional about my consumption of social media. I’m again, realizing its effects on my mental health and I’m in much need of a break. I’ve taken many breaks throughout this pandemic but keep coming back to it. I miss my friends, my family, my community and it seems like the best way to stay in touch during the lockdowns and restrictions. It dawned on me this week that it’s actually hindering my connections, especially with the people that I haven’t seen all year long.
Social media and our lack of face to face connection is having some really negative impacts. Our culture has become increasingly polarized. The divide on politics and social issues seems to be growing and yet we are continually posting our opinions, sharing articles, commenting and believing that this will lead to a change of opinion, instead of realizing all we are doing is widening the gap.
We are at a cultural tipping point and I believe it’s because we are severely lacking in empathy.
When was the last time you heard someone’s story. Sat across the table from a real person and witnessed their heartbreak, their tears and saw a glimpse of what they’re living through.
When was the last time you could feel the emotion of the people you believe you are in opposition with?
The reality is you can not feel it when on social media. You really only get a reflection of yourself, or people who think just like you. It leads you to believe your truth is absolute. It’s a resounding sound of your own opinions.
In John there are many beautiful passages about the church but the often quoted “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
If we love one another. This is about how we love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We can lead people to love.
I’m taking a break from a social media to peruse empathy. To hear the stories of those around me. To learn how this pandemic has affected them. Wether they are pro masks and vaccines or whether they believe this past year has been an unnecessary infringement of rights.
We have a unique opportunity to show a coming together of different opinions, different political standings, different convictions, all choosing love. If we could choose unity we would stand out as a light in the darkness. It wouldn’t take long for the world to see we’re different.
I no longer want our body, this group of people who are to show the world HIS love for them, to look just like the darkness around us. We may not all agree, but we are absolutely called to love one another.
I’m left pondering this question in my own life and my own areas of influence, how can we change the narrative around us, how can we lead others to unity and love?
I want to walk in love and understanding, not in judgement. I believe that both your beliefs and mine, can be true. There is no absolute in cultural topics but a matter of conscious, a matter of perspective. Often, I think we have the same heart, the same desired outcome but our choice of words and the way we approach each topic has our guards up, unable to hear what each other is trying to communicate. We’re hung up on buzz words and definitions. If we both believe in the absolute truth of the word of God what should divide us?
May we all lean into empathy in this season and may we lead in love. May we be the church, united in love.