This last year, especially the last few months, especially the last week has magnified all the hurt, the divisiveness, and the distrust our country has. Protests, accusations, op eds, social media posts are all being hurled as weapons across the divide. My heart is heavy and hurting.

Because we are no longer seen as different, we are no longer counter culture, we are no longer a refuge for the hurting and marginalized. As a whole we are known more for our stance on political issues than we are known for the gospel of Grace. And what these last few elections have shown me is that, as a collective whole, we have failed those we are called to serve. This is not a criticism, and we will always falter and be imperfect, this is a call to action. We have to step up and be grace, be hope, be truth to a culture that right now, doesn’t respect or want us much. Will there always be resistance to a counter cultural movement? Of course, even Jesus faced much resistance. But we can look to His life for guidance that is still very much relevant.

Instead of drawing uncrossable lines in the sand, Jesus welcomed all people to Him.

Instead of throwing harsh insults at those whose views were different, He sat down and ate with them.

Instead of giving empty advice to the poor and hurting, He walked alongside them, giving radically of Himself and His time.

Instead of yelling inflammatory political stances to the crowds, He preached the GOSPEL, offering deep hope to a very troubled people.

Instead of settling for a life of comfort and ease, He lived a selfless life, giving literally all He had in the most genuine love.

Instead of creating policies to bring reform, He changed hearts to bring reform.

Instead of relying on a political party to bring happiness and peace, He was the peacemaker and rested on unchanging Joy.

Instead of living out the gospel inside the church, He lived out the gospel every minute of every day.

Jesus was the ultimate radical revolutionary, so counter cultural to the legalism and hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Jesus didn’t just talk about grace, He brought redemption and restoration to the most forgotten and hurting people. Jesus didn’t talk at sinners, He forgave them. Jesus didn’t argue over political policies, He fulfilled the ultimate Law.

Please hear my call in this: we are absolutely called to take a stand for what is biblically right. We are absolutely called to speak truth. But, we are also called to walk out our faith, live daily in His redemption and grace, and love our neighbors deeply and genuinely. We are called to be like Jesus, who lived His life fulfilling the law while serving the hurting, the forgotten, and the lonely. He preached the Law AND radical forgiveness and grace.

Let’s be known for something different. Let’s be a beacon shining through the harsh divide. Let’s be a refuge, opening our arms to all who need His comfort. Let’s be Jesus to our world.