Neighbors and Enemies

What triggers in your mind when you hear the words neighbor and enemy? Maybe you picture an epic battle between Mr. Rogers vs. Isis. You might think about a conservative evangelical vs. progressive liberal, or BLM vs. Proud Boys. Over the past 18 months, the nations of the world have seen exponential division in nearly every aspect of the human experience. Politics, race, nationalism, religion, and even families themselves have been fractured by hatred and intolerance of contrary ideas. We’ve seen this for years, but have witnessed a palpable increase in the past months. Why? How did we get here and what do we do about it? I certainly don’t have all the answers. Actually, I realize I don’t have any answers at all. However, we do find ourselves in a very polarized climate that seems to scream and pull at us from each side. “Pick a side,” they say. “If you’re not for us then you’re against us.” What if there is a different way? What if we allow ourselves to dream of a better culture where love speaks louder and tells a new narrative? Bob Goff said, “Grace draws a circle around everyone and says we’re in.” No more division. No more war. No more hate. We don’t have to agree with everything or everyone, but love needs to be a voice that chooses kindness, respect, and equality regardless of our varied beliefs and opinions. Become friends with people who don’t look like you, think like you, or agree with everything you say. Discover the beauty in people that are likely still healing from their own life traumas. As you do, you will find the number of neighbors in your life increasing, while the enemies decrease. I think this is why the bible tells us to love two specific people groups, neighbors and enemies. In loving our enemies, we begin to see them as human, and seeing the beauty in their humanity we can receive them as friends.

For recommended reading, check out Drop the Stones by Carlos Rodriguez