Maybe you’ve noticed that our society is just a bit divided.
Whether it’s political persuasions, social justice issues, or even the dreaded Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ debate, we’ve all become experts in drawing a line in the sand, circling our wagons with those who agree with us, and villainizing those who oppose us. Social media has produced social pariahs. Twitter has made us loud-mouthed twits. Facebook has become our platform to save face and refuse grace.
Even if we’re not overt about it … even if we keep our opinions to ourselves and only use Facebook for pictures of puppies … we can confess that we do tend to hold tightly to our stance on political persuasions, social justice issues, or even the dreaded Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ debate. And that means we occasionally pray our own version of Luke 18:11: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers … or even like those who enjoy burnt coffee.”
Our Dilemma
In the church world, we’ve all heard the adage and accusation that we’re too often known by what we’re against rather than what we’re for. But what if we could change that? What if we were known as a people more interested in compassion than coercion? More interested in winning a friendship rather than winning an argument?
A New Way
I believe that in our incredibly divided society, kindness and hospitality can serve as a new apologetic.
My generation grew up with youth pastors who taught us to defend our faith, argue…
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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.