The world is full of division. We have been reminded of that in recent years with Brexit, Me Too, Black Lives Matter, the Trump presidencies, responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and unrest in the Middle East.

The problem stems from the human heart. So convinced are we that right is on our side that we can think the division is justifiable. But the call to truth has to be balanced with the call to unity. The greatest commandment is not to be right but to love.

This involves conversion – a turning around. This can begin with a dramatic one-off event. But as long as we keep following Jesus, we will find ourselves constantly turning around. That is what happens with true disciples – students imitating their master.

Loving one another can only really happen when we let God be right, instead of ourselves. This allows Christians holding opposing views to unite. The church stands to benefit from this but so too does our culture, not least because the church spends most of its time dispersed throughout the sphere of work and it is work that lies at the bedrock of culture.

Do you need to change direction? Have you allowed being ‘right’ to become more important than the call to love (in your family, church, neighbourhood, or work)?

Forgive me, dear Lord, for the times I have failed in my love for others. May I love them as you have loved me. I want you to be glorified in and through all my relationships. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Andreas van Wijngaarden, former serial entrepreneur, now a mission partner with Presbyterian Mission International.



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