3 Rhythms of Loving in a Volatile Culture
In a world increasingly defined by division and instant offense, the call to follow Jesus feels both more urgent and more counter-cultural than ever. Living on mission isn’t about retreating into echo chambers of agreement but stepping into the messy reality of a volatile culture that often struggles to embrace differences. For those seeking to share the Gospel authentically, navigating this landscape requires a radical departure from the defensiveness that social media so readily cultivates. Instead, we are invited to embody the very essence of Christ: a love that transcends boundaries and seeks connection rather than condemnation.
- Embrace the Rhythm of Relational Bridges: Jesus himself provides a powerful blueprint for engaging with those on the margins. Consider his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). As a Jew, societal norms dictated separation, yet Jesus initiated a conversation, breaking down centuries of animosity. He saw her not as an outsider but as an individual worthy of dignity and truth. Similarly, his willingness to eat with tax collectors and “sinners” (Matthew 9:10-13) scandalized the religious elite. These were not endorsements of their lifestyles, but rather demonstrations of a love that reached beyond social barriers, offering an invitation to transformation through relationship.
- Embrace the Rhythm of Finding Common Ground: The Apostle Paul, a master communicator, also exemplified this approach. When addressing the intellectuals in Athens, he didn’t start by denouncing their pantheon of gods. Instead, he found common ground, referencing their altar to the “unknown god” as a bridge to introduce them to the true and living God (Acts 17:22-31). Paul recognized their existing spiritual curiosity, even in its misdirection, and used it as an opportunity for connection and revelation. His strategy wasn’t to shame or belittle, but to find a point of intersection from which to share the life-changing message of Jesus.
- Embrace the Rhythm of Understanding Over Offense: In contrast, the pervasive culture of offense, often amplified by social media, creates walls where bridges are needed. The constant barrage of differing opinions can lead to a posture of defensiveness, where the slightest disagreement is perceived as an attack. Yet, the way of Jesus calls us to something different. It’s an invitation to listen more than we speak, to understand before we judge, and to see the inherent worth in every individual, regardless of their beliefs or background.I witnessed a rhythm growing up that is becoming extinct now. My parents would have their best friends over literally every Friday night, watch The Dukes of Hazzard and Dallas TV shows, and they’d visit until the wee hours of the morning while us kids would play. I remember our parents laughing over snacks and beverages, and I also remember them disagreeing a lot on a lot of issues. And yet, they grew in friendship and always continued the tradition the next Friday night. This was such an example for me to not live in offense but to embrace differences. Embracing differences, rather than being perpetually offended by them, opens doors for genuine connection and the opportunity to share the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Therefore, living on mission in today’s volatile culture demands a conscious choice to emulate Jesus and his followers. It requires us to step outside our comfort zones, engage with those who hold different perspectives, and resist the urge to be easily offended. By embracing these rhythms of relational bridges, finding common ground, and prioritizing understanding over offense, we can create space for the Gospel to be heard and for the transformative power of Christ to break down the very walls that divide us.
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