This modern age of tribalism,
Has ushered in fear and angst.
Violence and terror have been normalized,
And are taken as lightly as pranks.
We are entrenched in polarized positions
That forecloses any opportunity
To join together and render aid
To the mortal wound to our unity.
We view one another with suspicion.
We live in fear of being duped.
And if we have a civil interaction,
It is perceived as only a fluke.
When did we lose sight of love thy neighbor?
What happened to Christian grace?
Have we somehow convinced ourselves
They were only for ‘that time and place?’ 
Loving God and loving  our neighbor,
Has been God’s command for 4,000 years.
Then Jesus reinforced its importance
In language, both simple and clear.
(Matt 22:37-40)
None of us is powerful enough
To rescind the Father’s command.
Nor are we insightful enough
To reimagine what He demands.
So, for me, there is no question.
We are required by the Father to love. 
But God’s love is not about feelings.
It’s about the respect we are worthy of.
In the Kingdom, love is about service.
It’s the demonstration of care and respect.
 And frankly, as image bearers of God,
I believe it’s something we have the right to expect.
It’s time we grow up and act like adults,
Time to accept one another with grace.
Jesus came and gave His life,
To teach us how to live in peace. 
Tribalism is a lifestyle of suspicion and fear
Pitting us against one another.
Whereas following the way of Jesus,
Is to share and take care of our brothers.
One way leads to sure destruction,
The other keeps destruction at bay.
So let me be the first to declare,
I choose the Jesus way!
© Linda Troxell

Linda Troxell07/30/2024 11:12

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