We are living in a world where opinions are running rampant. Everyone has an opinion that they feel should be heard, seen, and recognized as truth. Social media has almost become unbearable as strangers attack strangers, friends become enemies, and opinions become dividers.
Are our opinions worth the cost of showing love; are they worth the dividing line? Is it more important for people to know what we are for or what we are against? Are we speaking big opinions and showing small love?
I am a very passionate person, so much so that in the past I have allowed my passionate opinions to replace (what could have been) passionate love. I used my opinions as weapons and claimed love as the motive to fight. I felt that it was my duty or responsibility to show them my truth. In many of those instances, I spoke opinions in the name of my truth, which at the time was a current emotion (that was mostly driven by fear and insecurity).
“Am I really so insecure that I surround myself with only people who agree with me? When people are flat out wrong, why do I appoint myself as sheriff to straighten them out? Burning down others’ opinions doesn’t make us right. It makes us arsonists.” Bob Goff, Everybody Always
The actual truth won’t be found in a thread on social media or in the sharp spoken words in a debate. Truth is found at a table where two friends in a relationship are having a respectful conversation. Truth is prefaced by great love rooted in the Word of God. Truth is not publicly and destructively spoken to strangers in a shallow attempt to prove we are right. We are losing relationships, creating wounds, and welling up with pride only to realize that we are fighting battles that can only be won with love. We are dividing and destroying at our own expense and the expense of others. Our opinions do not open doors, instead, they make people feel unwelcome and uninvited.
“Pick the most controversial social issue of the day, and you’ll find some passionate voices on all sides. The sad fact is, many of us have lost our way trying to help people find theirs. Arguments won’t change people. Simply giving away kindness won’t either. Only Jesus has the power to change people, and it will be harder for them to see Jesus if their view of Him is blocked by our big opinions.” Bob Goff, Everybody Always
Have we lost our way attempting to lead others to it? We are all different- it is what fuels our world with wonder. We always have something to learn, and there is always room to grow. We may not learn to understand their opinion or belief, but we will learn about the person, and last time I checked God loves the person- not their opinion. Instead of working so tirelessly to change someone’s mind, let’s flip the script and work tirelessly to love them the way God loves us.
“If I’m only willing to love the people who are nice to me, the ones who see things the way I do and avoid all the rest, it’s like reading every other page of the Bible and thinking I know what it says.” Bob Goff, Everybody Always
Things to remember before putting opinion before love:
- Don’t get involved with short-term issues, they will circle around in some form until the end of time. Arguing won’t revert the issue, but love will revert the heart.
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If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
- Don’t allow pride to manifest itself in the form of protection. Pride says we know it all and protection blocks the door for invitation. Invite those who disagree with you into your home and love beyond opinion.
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Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Proverbs 11:12
- Division brings destruction. Unification leads to sanctification.
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With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
When Jesus gave the ultimate gift of love on the cross, He won the battle for all mankind through His sacrifice. Jesus didn’t win the victory in an argument, he won the victory in an action of abounding, forgiving, selfless love.
Opinions divide. Love unifies.
DavI'd says
It’s been two weeks since you shared. I don’t know how blogs work but even if it’s short anything you have to have share would be welcomed. David