Culture wars (VI) Can we disagree and still love and respect each other?

Is the Old Testament law “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” barbaric (Exodus 21:24)? I think we need to understand the context in which this law was given. It was given to prevent escalation, in situations where it was two teeth for one tooth, and two eyes for one eye. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, but that also required a context, and a lot more maturity. Think about it, if you tell squabbling siblings to apologize, do you really expect them to be sincere? But in fact, Jesus did love his enemies, for as they drove cruel spikes through his hands and feet, He asked the Father to forgive them (Luke 23:34). And if we can't disagree and still love and respect one another, there's no hope for marriage! But actually, husbands and wives are commanded to love and respect one another (Ephesians 5:33). We have a ways to go, but when it works as intended, the beauty, love, forgiveness and respect in Christian marriages is a parable to the world of the reconciling power of Christ.

In terms of how this applies to culture wars, let me say again that there are people of goodwill, and those ready to exploit on all sides of the great cultural divide. Divide and conquer is an old strategy that ultimately comes from the thief (John 10:10a). And if we Christians are to be salt and light in the world, we must first and foremost demonstrate in our marriages and churches, that it is indeed possible to disagree and still love one another. We must then seek as much as is possible within us, to live at peace with all (Romans 12:18). I could wish that the accusations of hate, fear and lack of compassion that are levelled left, right and centre, was without foundation. And certainly there are some on all sides that exhibit these characteristics. And though hate and fear are wrong, they are understandable when for example, it was not at all clear that the courts would not side with a mother who had told her 3-year-old boy that he was a girl!

The Scripture tells us that we (that includes all of us, left right and middle) only know in part (1 Corinthians 13:9). But far too often  we all act as if we (not Jesus) are the way the truth and the life! When we act in this way we are deceived. And there are many on all sides who, by acting in this way, show they are indeed deceived. As Christians who have access to the peace of God that passes all understanding, we need to cease from being so reactive (I am talking to myself too), and learn that a soft answer turns away wrath. We also need to be well informed about the issues, so that we may be ready to give an answer of the hope that is within us. In this way we can start to love and respect and honour those with whom we disagree.

Father, You have called us to be salt and light in this wicked and hurting world, we cannot do this Lord unless we are vitally connected to you. Principles are not enough, truth is not enough, we need to be full of both grace and truth (John 1:17). Have mercy upon us Lord, draws us deeper into Your embrace, so we can demonstrate the truth that Jesus is the hope of the world. It's in His holy Name that I pray these things Amen