Peace and Truth

by Doy Moyer

There are people I genuinely like but with whom I have strong disagreements. Some are on opposite theological and political isles, yet I feel kindly disposed toward them. I cannot explain this. It’s just something that you either get or don’t. I suspect that this is true of most people. We have those in our circles, social media included, that we like even while we dislike what they stand for. On the flip side, there are those whom we might not feel so kindly disposed toward even though we agree on most issues. There are people who, as we say, rub us the wrong way, and so we struggle a bit to be kind. Again, I don’t know how to explain that, but it reflects how we feel.

Feelings are often inexplicable, and we mustn't let those feelings cloud the truth, especially when it comes to people we like. We must also not let negative feelings keep us from acting properly toward those we might not feel so good about. Feelings do not determine truth. They do not excuse us from teaching what is right because we don’t want to offend those whom we like. Nor do feelings serve as an excuse to treat people poorly.

While feelings are a God-given part of who we are, they must be tempered by truth and the determination to act properly. We choose to show compassion. We choose to be kind. We choose to be patient, to bear with each other, and to forgive. We choose to love. Hear, then, what Paul wrote to the Colossian Christians:

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:12-15, ESV).

The challenge of bringing our feelings in line with what we ought to be doing is difficult, but by doing what is right consistently and willingly, we may find that our feelings follow suit. It is difficult to continue disliking people toward whom we are showing compassion and forgiveness. When we act with kindness and mercy, even toward those on opposite sides of issues, we will probably begin to like them more, which allows us to build relationships that lead to better communication and influence. If we already like them, perhaps further communication can lead to better understanding and building bridges across divisive lines. One thing is sure: we can’t achieve peace and unity when we don’t try or when we refuse to talk.

“Let love be genuine,” Paul wrote (Romans 12:9). Then, in the next chapter, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 12:8-10).

“Love your neighbor,” the second greatest command, comes out of Leviticus 19. In that context, Israel is told how this love is shown: leave gleaning from the harvest “for the poor and for the sojourner” (Leviticus 19:10); don’t steal, deal falsely or lie (Leviticus 19:11-12); don’t oppress or rob others, don’t curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind (Leviticus 19:13-14); do no injustices in court, don’t be “partial to the poor or defer to the great,” but judge righteously (Leviticus 19:15); don’t slander or stand by when your neighbor’s life is at stake (Leviticus 19:16); reprove your neighbor as needed, but don’t take vengeance or bear a grudge, “but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:17-18).

These actions are associated with love, and they all have to do with how we would treat others, including those against whom we might be tempted to keep grudges. How do we proceed? We do what Jesus taught: “In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12, NET). This “Golden Rule” keeps us in check because we know how much we dislike being mistreated, slandered, misjudged, and unforgiven. If we want grace, we need to show grace. “Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom. For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:12-13, NET).

Our interactions can be blessings or failures. As much as it depends on us, we must seek peace with all (Romans 12:18). That peace cannot be at the expense of truth, but this is not an either/or proposition. Seek peace and teach truth. This is God’s way.