John 13:34–35 (CEB)

³⁴ “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. ³⁵ This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

We seem to want culture wars, so I’m not sure this post will mean anything to a lot of people. We seem bent on building walls and creating enemies. I often find myself asking, “Do we want to be saved from all this?” I think sometimes the answer is a resounding “NO.”

Not long ago I was listening to a podcast interview and the conversation revolved around a popular conference that had started almost 20 years ago. It began as a place for conversation where tough issues could be tackled, but in a way that heard from different approaches to the topic. A shift happened and it has become pretty one sided, but even more… they invite combative, provocative speakers who have “big platforms.”

The affections of Christ are an antidote to the culture wars, if we will take up that invitation.

When I was leaving my time of ministry in Minneapolis a few years ago, I reflected on the years of friendships and conversations. The breadth of friendships was something I gave thanks for. I told people toward the end of my time in Minneapolis that I had learned one main thing: “The more I hang out with people different from me, the more I love people and the more I love God.”

I was more in love with Jesus because of the differences. We have come to a place where we fear differences. (And please note, I didn’t have to agree with what was different. I just wanted to be present with people who were different and find ways to love them.)

The affections of Christ had moved me. I was so deeply in love with Jesus as he allowed me to be around all kinds of people. I knew him more.

I certainly have opinions about cultural matters. I just don’t have to “win” these so called “battles” any more. That may come across as weak to people in this world and in many Christian circles, but I’ve come to a place where it doesn’t matter.

The affections of Christ save me from the culture wars. It may not be of interest to others who want a “battle” or a “war,” but for me, I am seeing the love of Christ as I’ve never seen it before. Even moving from “liberal” Minneapolis to the heart of “red state” country in Alabama, I am drawn in to affections of Christ. The challenge here is different. I fail often. But as I struggle to regain the affections of Christ as my focus, I find that place where I meet truly incredible people and I am drawn in by the affections of Christ and “culture wars” mean less and less.

May my love for Christ be deepened as I continue to strive in love for others.