Listen, learn when it comes to what divides us

What does the other side think?

Like the rest of you, I have experienced and witnessed countless interactions of people around me over the past many years. My education in human nature has continued from childhood to my present age. Over the past few years, I have witnessed some aspects of human nature that have caused concern but, at the same time, hope.

I have been overwhelmed by how quickly some people can judge and separate from people they have known for years. Division is the game’s name, and it seems you must pick a side — a side that you will be blindly loyal to, and the other side must be demonized. Unfortunately, the truth is many people don’t know the facts about the opposing side, let alone their own.

Ignorance is true in the divisions seen in politics, Covid-19, law enforcement, race, and even within the Christian circles involving doctrines and denominations.

Here is an example to think about: If you or I were to hold a position as a Christian pastor, a union member, a business owner, or any other role and position one could have, many people would easily assume what our views are without even asking us. Many will assume a person’s views without actually talking to them and base it totally on the position one holds.

These assumptions can be made in regard to politics, southern border issues, Covid-19 and its vaccine, race issues and more. It is so easy to prematurely judge others without actually knowing the truth. This too often leads to people not being willing to learn others’ thoughts and views. Those with opposing views will be deemed irrelevant and wrong, and no effort will be made to find out what and why they hold the opinions they do.

And even if a person’s views differ, does that make them enemies? Many of our political leaders and news media make it look and sound like anyone with a different view is the enemy. It seems more challenging than ever to have an open discussion on the issues in which both parties will at least respect and listen to one another.

I ask myself if I am one like those I complain about — those with different views from my own. Not everything the other side believes is a conspiracy, and I have to allow some trust to exist in our leaders. I still have my own views but must have the confidence to listen to others’ views. If I have come to this conclusion, I hope that many others have also come to this point and can agree to disagree without demonizing those with different views. Respecting others’ thoughts and opinions will go a long way toward getting along and working together on other important issues and projects.

I have witnessed a group of people with varying iews that still respect one another and work together to help with one another’s needs. The church I pastor comprises people holding different worldly opinions on political parties, vaccines, social issues and even some religious doctrines.

Although these issues can carry passion, we are learning not to have them develop into Kingdom of God issues. What makes a Christian a Christian is not a political party, a view on vaccines, or one of the many other issues that seem to divide people. What makes a person a Christian is their view on who Jesus Christ is, if he is our messiah and the Son of God, and if we believe what he taught is how we should live and treat one another. Grace, love, mercy, forgiveness, long-suffering, and being careful of what we judge are what Jesus taught and, unfortunately, can be easily pushed to the side as we are tricked into placing our worldly views on issues as most important.

I hope we all gain the confidence to listen to one another and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ first if you are a Christian.

John Napoli is the pastor for River of Life Church at 1002 Carlton Ave. in Cloquet.