God Is Not On Your Side

I have found myself in debates, arguments, or disagreements (especially with other Christians) where I can be fooled into thinking that the side I am advocating for is the side that God is on. I think that we are all caught up in thinking this way at one time or another. Maybe we’re confronting someone about an action that was hurtful or an attitude that was inappropriate. Maybe a friendly conversation devolved into some sort of struggle over who is right and who is wrong. Or, you know, politics and religion...

We have disagreements and conflict over all sorts of things. While I’m not saying we should ignore or dismiss these things (healthy conflict can be necessary for growth and advocating for change), I am saying we need to be alert as we find ourselves in any sort of conflict.

Because if we think about it, does God take sides when it comes to the objects of love? If the Divine is on our side, does God have animosity towards others? Actively rooting against someone else?

The truth is that God does not want you win, triumph, or destroy a person you are in conflict with. No, Divine love is theirs just as it is yours. The desire is for love to win, to triumph, and to destroy animosity.

The reality is this: God is not on your side. It's better than that. The Divine is for you

You, and the person next to you. And your family. And your friends. And your enemies. And your coworkers. I think this is an important distinction to make. Because if we are to love each other as God loves us, it means being for every person come in contact with. Even those we are in conflict with.

John 15:12

My commandment is this: Love each other as I have loved you.