Tomorrow is the 4th of July, the day Americans come together to grill hot dogs, set off fireworks, and wave flags to celebrate freedom. Unfortunately, in that coming together and talking about America, there is also going to be a lot of arguments. “This country used to be XYZ,” “What we really need is ABC,” and “I don’t care what you say that town should let the dog be the mayor!”
All this coming from different people having different perspectives on what it means to be free. If this happens to you, I pray that you can keep things at a respectful/conversational level and the you remember the words of Galatians 5:13-15.
Here Paul says, “13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
Love your neighbor. Three little words that end up so complicated when we try to live them out. It is much easier to bite and devour one another, but that’s exactly what we are told not to do. We sadly don’t need to go very far to see this kind of arguing. Talking heads on the news, people all over the internet, and even our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. It can feel inescapable.
This is why we are called to do our best to be the bigger person. This is why we are called to try and show love to our neighbor. This is why we are told elsewhere to “do unto others what you would have them do to you.” Treat people the way you want to be treated. You don’t need to engage in every possible debate and argument. You have the freedom to say, “I love you, but I don’t think this discussion is productive.”