A Better Way
Do any of these words stir something in you?
MAGA. Liberal. Riot. LGBTQ+. Insurrection. Abortion. Gun Control. DEI. Woke. Snowflake. Trump. Biden. Kamala.
Maybe your pulse picked up. Maybe your shoulders tightened. Maybe a flood of opinions rushed in before you could stop them.
That’s okay.You’re not alone. These words have become more than labels, they’ve become triggers. They tap into years of headlines, arguments, algorithms, sermons, cancel culture, identity politics, and personal wounds. We’ve been trained to react, not reflect.
“Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Luke 6:45
Our reactions reveal the state of our hearts often more than we realize.
Or, maybe hardest question of all, is it the Spirit of Jesus?
He wasn’t motivated by outrage. He was moved by compassion. He wasn’t trying to win arguments. He was trying to win souls. And He didn’t treat people like political categories. He saw their faces. He knew their stories. He called them by name.
Following Jesus doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone. But it does mean loving them even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unpopular. It means leading not from a political position, but from a posture of submission to Him, not to the systems of this world.
Because in a world that says: “Pick a side.” “Defend your turf.” “Own your enemies.”
Jesus says: “Love your enemies.” “Bless those who curse you.” “Lay down your life.” “Follow Me.”
Not my opinions. Not my doctrine. Not my political affiliation. But my actual life - my thoughts, my tone, my posture, my presence.
When people encounter me do they feel argued with? Or do they feel invited in?
Because the way of Jesus isn’t just a set of beliefs. It’s a way of being.
And the truth is, some will see it as weakness. But Jesus was never afraid to look weak. He was gentle. He was silent before accusers. He didn’t defend Himself. And He died with His arms wide open.
That kind of love doesn’t make headlines. But it changes everything.
If you’re tired of outrage… If you’re weary of always being against someone… If you feel like your faith has been hijacked by politics or tribalism… You’re not alone. And you’re not stuck.
There’s a better way. There always has been.
It looks like humility. It sounds like grace. It smells like incense rising. It feels like peace. And it begins with a simple whisper: Jesus, I want to follow You.
MAGA. Liberal. Riot. LGBTQ+. Insurrection. Abortion. Gun Control. DEI. Woke. Snowflake. Trump. Biden. Kamala.
Maybe your pulse picked up. Maybe your shoulders tightened. Maybe a flood of opinions rushed in before you could stop them.
That’s okay.You’re not alone. These words have become more than labels, they’ve become triggers. They tap into years of headlines, arguments, algorithms, sermons, cancel culture, identity politics, and personal wounds. We’ve been trained to react, not reflect.
“Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Luke 6:45
Our reactions reveal the state of our hearts often more than we realize.
But let’s ask a deeper question together: What’s behind that reaction? Is it anger? Fear? Moral conviction? Tribal loyalty? Wounded pride? A sense of righteousness?
Or, maybe hardest question of all, is it the Spirit of Jesus?
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
If we’re honest, many of our reactions have been shaped more by culture than Christ. But we’re invited into a different way of thinking, living, and loving.The Shift
Jesus didn’t come to take sides. He came to take over - not with dominance, but with humility and love.He wasn’t motivated by outrage. He was moved by compassion. He wasn’t trying to win arguments. He was trying to win souls. And He didn’t treat people like political categories. He saw their faces. He knew their stories. He called them by name.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:43–44
Jesus redefined righteousness. His love was not reserved for insiders, it extended even to enemies.“Jesus knew their thoughts and said, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…’” — Luke 11:17
In a time when division is normalized, Jesus calls us to unity rooted in truth and love.“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10
This was His mission. Not moral grandstanding. Not political power. Rescue.Following Jesus doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone. But it does mean loving them even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unpopular. It means leading not from a political position, but from a posture of submission to Him, not to the systems of this world.
Because in a world that says: “Pick a side.” “Defend your turf.” “Own your enemies.”
Jesus says: “Love your enemies.” “Bless those who curse you.” “Lay down your life.” “Follow Me.”
The Invitation
So here’s the honest question I’ve been asking myself: Does my life look like Jesus?Not my opinions. Not my doctrine. Not my political affiliation. But my actual life - my thoughts, my tone, my posture, my presence.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” — Philippians 4:5
Gentleness is not weakness, it is Christlike strength under control.“They will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.” — John 13:35
It’s not how loud we shout truth, but how deeply we love that reveals who we follow.When people encounter me do they feel argued with? Or do they feel invited in?
Because the way of Jesus isn’t just a set of beliefs. It’s a way of being.
And the truth is, some will see it as weakness. But Jesus was never afraid to look weak. He was gentle. He was silent before accusers. He didn’t defend Himself. And He died with His arms wide open.
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth… like a lamb led to the slaughter.” — Isaiah 53:7
His silence was not fear. It was divine strength submitted to the Father’s will for our redemption.
That kind of love doesn’t make headlines. But it changes everything.
If you’re tired of outrage… If you’re weary of always being against someone… If you feel like your faith has been hijacked by politics or tribalism… You’re not alone. And you’re not stuck.
There’s a better way. There always has been.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:29
His way is not burdensome. It’s restful. Beautiful. Freeing.
It looks like humility. It sounds like grace. It smells like incense rising. It feels like peace. And it begins with a simple whisper: Jesus, I want to follow You.
A Prayer for the Better Way
Jesus,Unclench my fists. Soften my heart. Quiet my need to be right.
Teach me to love like You even when it costs something. Especially when it costs something.
I want to walk in the way of mercy, the way of truth, the way of peace.
A better way. Your way.
Amen.
Teach me to love like You even when it costs something. Especially when it costs something.
I want to walk in the way of mercy, the way of truth, the way of peace.
A better way. Your way.
Amen.
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