Some of our nation’s most thoughtful thinkers see the United States heading towards another civil war. A Zogby poll this year found more Americans thought civil war was likely than otherwise. 

While some might point out that from a historical perspective our divisions are not unique, the general sense that our country is becoming increasingly divided is based on real and increasing trends.

For instance, our political, philosophical, cultural, and socio-economic differences are increasingly resulting in decreased trust and friendship and increased suspicion and distance. And our media landscape and political dialogue have turned into echo chambers that serve to exacerbate these differences.

Christmas is an ideal opportunity to reflect on and heal these divisions because Jesus’ life and lessons represent a better way forward.

This way unsurprisingly revolves around love. Having a correct understanding of love can help heal the divisions among us. When Jesus says that He gives us a new commandment to love one another, the Greek word used is agape.

Agape is also the word most often translated as love in the New Testament. Because of its importance in the Christian faith tradition, the word agape has been dissected and nuanced millions of times. Even so, it’s still easy for us to dismiss what the word would have most commonly meant to the writers who chose it.

Strong’s Concordance defines agape as simply, “To welcome warmly.” 

Christ’s example is filled with instances of Him sitting and conversing with those He would otherwise disagree with. Foremost among these is the story of Christ eating with the sinners and publicans.

Today many people miscast this story as one of Jesus approving of the sinners, or even favoring them over other groups. But Jesus’ stated reason for being with them was to call them to repentance, even if doing so brought the approbation of others.

Similarly, we can demonstrate Christian agape love by welcoming those we disagree with, without concern for guilt-by-association.

Just like the Pharisees of old, those who wield today’s cancel culture weapons have many fearing that they will face social consequences if they are seen sympathizing or fraternizing with those harboring ugly beliefs. 

In many quarters today, love is not defined as Jesus historically used it, but instead through the lens of Rogerian humanism. They define love as unconditional acceptance. 

In the same moment, they can then twist the idea of love to defend excluding others—especially those who don’t embrace this same vision of love. If certain people don’t accept everyone unconditionally, then perhaps, they reason, the way to show that they themselves accept everyone is by rejecting these people?

So many of our social divisions today are born on the back of this strident, non-Christian understanding of love.

There is a better way—and Jesus Himself shows it.  As we seek to heal our communities, may we turn to the Master of Love, the Christ. As we seek to welcome all in His way, we can emulate the example of the Jesus we worship in this season—and together find greater peace and civility.

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