In recent times, fuelled by a constant flow of online opinion, polarised thinking and communication has become a growing trend in western societies, including New Zealand. There are so many hot-button issues: politics (both here and in America), social conservativism vs. social progressivism, biblical morality vs. sexuality and transgender ideologies, the right to life vs. abortion rights, Treaty issues, and the profound, heartfelt issues around Israel and Gaza. Feelings often run deep, and there is a tendency for people to despise and rubbish those people whose opinions they strongly disagree with. Sometimes, as with last week’s shocking assassination in the USA, clashes of values can give rise to totally unacceptable violence.

Among Christians too, and in churches, views can sometimes become polarised, and relationships and unity strained. And likewise in families, and among friends.

What advice can church leaders offer their people in such a context, and how can any Christian try to model ways of disagreeing that compromise neither the truth nor the love of Christ?

Here’s a few suggestions…

We must faithfully hold firm to the enduring truth and principles of God, as revealed in Jesus and the Scriptures, but do so in a way that also – expresses the love and grace of God (James 3:17)

– We must speak up for truth, when required, but do so with humility and gentleness rather than hostility and aggression, like a loud clashing cymbal (1 Cor. 13:1, 4-5)

– We should spend more time in prayer and the Word of God, and less online

– We should try to avoid mixing God’s enduring truth with worldly politics and merely human ideas

– We should spend less time fuming about other people’s wrong thinking, and more time praying

– We should try not to get distracted from the key priorities of loving God, following Jesus, loving and serving others, and sharing the Gospel

– We should neither hate nor write off those we disagree with, but pray for them – and if they are in our lives, try to build bridges with them (Rom. 12:14,17-18, 21)

– We can listen, ask questions, and try to understand better why people may hold the views they do. We should sincerely state or explain our own beliefs, but as ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20) we should avoid toxic and destructive arguments – and sometimes it can be wisest to remain silent

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon us all.

Kia tau, kia tatou katoa te atawhai o tou tatou Ariki o Ihu Karaiti.

Stuart

Author: Dr Stuart Lange

Dr Stuart Lange is the National Director of the NZCN and is a Senior Research Fellow at Laidlaw College, where he was formerly Vice Principal. Stuart wrote and presented the historical DVD documentary Te Rongopai: 200 years of the Gospel in New Zealand, 1814-2014.