“Have you ever been to the point where you really just don’t know exactly what to say because either way you’re going to be on the irritating side of someone? So, I have a solution, and yes, I’m talking about the mask or no mask. It reminds me of my grandma- Grandma Ware. She would say ‘Oh, Joy, now just be sweet.’ With whatever it is- ‘be sweet.’ That’s Grandma Ware’s advice for us. With everything that’s going on, we can sprinkle our conversation because out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speaks. We want to speak with love and as Grandma Ware would say ‘Just be sweet.’” Joy Ware Miller

Us Vs. Them? 

Have you felt overwhelmed by the fighting, accusing, and side-taking about everything lately? It seems like the things happening around us are intentionally designed to divide us. Indeed, they are. The enemy of our souls is described in the Bible as an accuser, a liar, and out to destroy us- individually and as a body of believers. The more he is able to separate us, the less effective we are at our mission to love God and love our neighbors. Armed with that perspective, we can renew our minds with the Word and realize that our battle is not with flesh and blood, ie. other people. 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Ephesians 6.12 NIV

Every person we see is made in the image of God. They are either a fellow believer or a person that needs Jesus. If you have found yourself in a rut of “us versus them” thinking, take this opportunity to ask Jesus to help you see people as He sees them. Instead of fighting to have your voice and opinion heard, let someone explain their viewpoint to you. Be the kind of person people feel safe talking to.

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Philippians 2.4 NLT

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

Colossians 3.12-14 NLT

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Ephesians 4.29 NLT

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The Golden Rule

You might remember learning the Golden Rule when you were young. That’s really all we need to know to navigate the polarizing environment around us. Recently I heard someone say “If something you say or post today will keep someone from wanting to come to church with you in a month, you shouldn’t say or post it.” Meaning, don’t let your strong opinions or unwillingness to hear someone else’s side hurt your witness. Talk to people the way you want to be spoken to. It is possible to talk about (even tough) subjects with grace, humility, and love…and if someone really wants to argue, you can walk away knowing that if they couldn’t see your point when you spoke it kindly, they wouldn’t have seen it if you argued with them, either. 

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

Luke 6.31 NLT

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God bless you. Stay hopeful!

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