The Problem With Communication......

It's no secret that we have a huge problem with compromise in this country as well as within the church.  Every "hot button" issue gets run through the cable news cycle and gets brought up over and over in our social settings.  Instead of looking at every angle, each issue is usually stripped down to a two sided debate which is a tragedy, especially when it comes to legislating (or not) solutions, either in our country, state, city or church.  We get so convinced of our own point of view or our own side that we cut ourselves off from those we could be learning from.  It's not enough to agree to disagree and treat each other civilly, often we have to drag our "opponents" through the sludge in order to make ourselves look better, and I am as guilty as anyone.  Unfortunately this behavior leads to many people being hurt who are the faces behind the issue(s).

As a Christian, I often wonder what leads people to let their personal beliefs\morals interfere with the greatest commandments:  To love God and love others, which are inseparable.  Regardless of what one feels about immigration, homosexuality, health care, abortion, etc., we too often let our own personal standards about these issues blind us to the people who are living the consequences (positive, negative or in between) of our collective stances everyday.  I have been guilty of going on rants or making rash social media posts in the past, and if I'm honest I will probably be guilty of doing the same in the future, but instead of nit picking an issue I will share how Jesus related to people and also an instance (there have been more than one) where I had an individual interaction that was a helpful way of discussing rather than debating, and there is a difference.

Too often when we look at Jesus and the Bible in general we get caught up in what's right and what's not instead of finding examples to live in spite of our limitations.  Instead of living a certain way, we have to determine our every stance from the Bible (even though many Christians have derived conflicting stances that are "Biblically supported).  The bottom line is that we don't know where Jesus "stood" on everything.  We can however, if we take the Bible even somewhat seriously in regard to Jesus, get an idea of who Jesus was by looking at how he interacted with people.  Jesus healed many people which, even if he didn't know them, was very personal.  It doesn't appear that Jesus had any prejudices over who he healed based on what is written.  In addition to this, it seems that whenever Jesus had an opportunity to condemn or judge individuals, he instead shows mercy and grace.  Zacchaeus, who is a hated tax collector probably working for the Romans and based on his confessions, probably cheating people to profit individually (which was common among tax collectors) is invited to dinner.  The prostitute about to be stoned is protected.  Jesus frequently dines with "sinners" and even talks with a Samaritan woman (Samaritans were detested by Jews, Jesus is a Jew).

Jesus does use strong language of judgement, but this is usually directed towards a group of people (Pharisees, etc.) or against a system of injustice.  When it comes to his treatment of human beings, however, the Bible seems clear about his humble, non-combative nature (please make a distinction between action and words, as Jesus words were very combative when it came to the Romans and the Jewish authority).  One of the stories that has made an impression on me is the story of Jesus in communication with God, saying:  "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they are doing."  Even on the cross in a state where probably anyone else would be accusing there oppressors, Jesus forgives.  Jesus seemed to relate to the people he came across.  I have no doubt his message carried more weight with the people who heard him because he first listened to them and sympathized with them.  How would our communities, cities, states, countries and world be different if we did the same?

In my own life I hold many strong viewpoints and at times have been vocal or visible with those views which can put me at odds with others.  This is mostly because the vehicle for my opinion is not through face to face discussion.  It's too easy to say whatever we want online (forgive this blog...) and not talk with anyone else, either in person or on the phone.  When we only communicate impersonally, oftentimes tone doesn't translate.  The response to this type of communication is usually through the same method which leads to misunderstanding and often times subtle insult, which instead of bringing people together drives them apart.  Even as this happens again and again with nothing but frustration the usual outcome, we indulge in this method of relating over and over.  The funny thing is, when I have had discussions either on the phone or face to face with family members or friends who disagree (sometimes strongly), I almost always come away feeling better about myself and the other person.

So what is the point of this?  I admit that there is a lot of room for disagreement.  My point is that looking at the life of Jesus and the effectiveness of our own personal interactions when we actually listen to the people we most want to mute (and I mean day to day, not radio or tv personalities), it can transform us and how we relate to others.  The "sinners" become people.  The stereotypes crash down.  When that happens we can't help but do our best to care for others who have otherwise been condemned, and that extends to the political realm.  You don't have to agree, and that's okay.  What you might want to do is love others, especially if you are trying to follow Jesus.  If you fail at everything else it would be unwise to fail in this, because to love others is to love God.