“‘Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. ... Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”

• Mark 12:30-31 (MSG)

The words of Jesus recorded in the Gospels are clear. We are supposed to love God and love others. Western Christianity has done well to emphasize the value of building a personal relationship with the Lord, but it feels like it’s overlooked the value of loving our neighbors. This is reflected in our society in the way we treat people who are different, people who are sick and homeless, and people who come to this country seeking help and refuge. 

It’s even reflected in the way we treat each other. How many churches do you know of that have split over petty issues? How many Christians do you see arguing with their friends and families online, saying some of the most hateful and nasty things you can imagine?

We need to remember the words of Jesus. We need to love each other as much as we love God. 

We also need to remember that when we fail to do this, we fail the church, ourselves, and ultimately, people who need to hear about the love of Jesus:

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other.”

• John 13:34-35 (MSG)

Don’t let politics get in the way of love

Politics feels like it has gotten more divided and more combative than ever since the Civil War that devastated our country in the 1860s. Roughly 65% of Americans describe themselves as Christian, which, while a decline from the past, is still a majority of Americans. Of those who do not identify as Christian, many at least grew up in Christian households and environments.

The point is, a nation of millions who claim to follow Christ and share His values doesn’t act like it. When someone has a different idea than us, rather than doing the hard thing and working to understand one another, we demonize each other. We attack each other with words — and sometimes physically — and we cause divides to grow. 

This division and hatred can only lead to bad things. How did a nation of people whose faith’s primary lesson is to love God and each other become so hateful? 

It’s time we all take a deep breath and remember that those who disagree with us or see things differently are not our enemies. They are our brothers and sisters. They are children of God, sacred in His eyes. We need to strive to see what makes us similar rather than pouring coals on the fires of what makes us different. 

You might be surprised to find out how much in common you have with that person who you think is so different. No one is asking you to become best friends with everyone who thinks differently, but we do need to take the time to listen to one another and at least come to respect each other as neighbors in this world.

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “Crazy Like Us.” It’s all about what we imagine Jesus would want to undo in today’s church to rebuild it to better fit His image and His teachings. 

Do you feel like the church has lost its way and could use some restructuring? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.