My Facebook feed is a real hot mess, people. I am concerned for my long-term health, and my blood pressure is a super-not-big-fan of anything on the Internet at this point. Aside from my political leanings, what continues to ail me (read “make me scream into a pillow and fall to the floor in anguish”; I’m not dramatic, promise) is how I see Christians engaging in the tension.

I hear it often. But they’re doing [fill in the blank]. But they’re being [fill in the blank]. But they’re saying [fill in the blank]. They’re wrong; they’re whiny; they’re bigoted; they’re a disgrace to our country. This language is prolific—our easiest means of discrediting someone.

We resort to name calling, dismissiveness, judging, pointing fingers, and lengthy social media posts directed to the “other side.” Telling people that they should get over it because their deeply personal concerns are invalid.

The Strengthsfinder test described me as zealous, and friends, it is super true. I would be a menace to society if my dear husband didn’t convince me not to comment on every Facebook post I want to. I get swept up in my frustration and anger, yet most of the people I want to start a conversation with likely wouldn’t be interested in what I have to say. Nor would it spark any real change of heart. It mostly just helps me feel better about myself.

Oh how I wish I knew what He was writing in that sand. It’s going to be one of my heaven questions, no doubt. And here I thought public shaming was a new phenomenon! No new thing under the sun I guess (Ecclesiastes does it again). Jesus is pretty decisive—He calls her out of her sin, but has what appears to be no tolerance for her neighbors condemning her.

We say we follow Jesus, yet as we align ourselves with a political system, without even realizing it we can shift to using that political framework to inform how we see our neighbors rather than a Jesus framework. But we don’t have to play the game the rest of our culture plays—fighting for the upper hand, holding onto bitterness and hatred we thinly veil as “righteous” indignation.

The idea in the American Church that our government should be the avenue our Christian values are upheld is hilariously ironic and seems vaguely familiar… Something about Jews thinking the Messiah would come and lead a political revolution, and instead He was born in a manger and called His followers to be the least of these… Hmm. Interesting.

There are two ends of the spectrum. Some choose to initiate—whether in person or through a screen—conflict, division, and attack. Some choose to ignore problems, and in doing so unintentionally become complicit in injustice. Over and over the Bible calls us to peace, unity, and compassion. Over and over the Bible also call us to defend the cause of the oppressed and to pursue justice. We have to engage in the tension—both/and, not either/or.

Y’all, if Jesus did the same thing to us that we are doing to others, we would be done for. We would live without the assurance of grace, love that sacrifices everything for our sake, and someone who longs to draw us into relationship.

We are really good at talking about how Jesus wants us to treat people. And we are pretty good at treating the people we love, or other Christians, the way Jesus tells us to. But beyond that—when we have the chance to love the people it doesn’t feel easy to love, we suddenly develop this amnesia that allows us to defer to our basic (sinful) instincts. We choose being right and prioritize our pride over people. If we believe the Bible is true, we have to take its’ commands seriously, rather than pretend they’re optional.

Matthew 5:38-39 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Jesus doesn’t extend love and grace to us based on how we behave or what policies we are in favor of or against. He extends love and grace to us because He is wholly good and merciful. This is fairly universal theology. And as the Church we can’t say we are spending our days trying to become more like Jesus if we aren’t.

Lord, help my desire to serve you be greater than my desire to serve my ego (John 3:30). Show me what it means to have wisdom that loves peace, submits, is merciful, and sincere (James 3:17). Give me strength to be weak, to defer my comfort for the benefit of others. Help me to see injustice and take action in your name (Matt. 25:35-40). Lord when I feel overwhelmed by the pain my neighbors are enduring, help me find rest in you so I can keep running forward with your vision for redemption, healing, and justice (Matt. 11:28-30).