Over the last several days we have all reflected on Memorial Day, a day set aside to reflect on the great sacrifices that have been made in the name of freedom. Memorial Day was originally established to honor the 750,000 lives lost during the tragic years of the Civil War, more than all the other conflicts in the United States’ history combined.

Between the years of 1861-1865, approximately three-quarters of a million American fathers, sons, and brothers lost their lives at the hands of their fellow countrymen. A united nation we were not. These families were decimated for differences of opinion, a desire to rule over others, the love of money, and the belief that some men are created in God’s image and others are not.

History is repeating itself.

Sadly, these beliefs are still prevalent today. Republicans fight against Democrats, Muslims against Christians, Straights against the LGTBQ community. Everywhere you look there are women denigrating men and men devaluing women, purchasers choosing economy over the lives of slaves who are making the products, and people crying out for the legalization of sex work without consideration of the overwhelming majority who are forced or coerced into the “work” without their consent.

All of this infighting is not just about differences of opinion, but an overwhelming foundational attitude that people who are different from me are wrong, possibly less than human, and definitely undeserving of God’s grace. A few are so bold and drama hungry to actually say it—the rest too polite. The blog posts, sermons, and social media debates may not directly include the words “you are not worthy of the gospel,” but the message comes across loud and clear. The 50 States of America are experiencing a second civil war, and tragically, Christians are often at the front lines.

Truth goes marching on.

I believe in right and wrong. I believe God’s Word is our ultimate authority in determining truth and that we as Christians must live according to the Scriptures. However, holding fast to biblical truth does not give us the right to treat other human beings as less than what they are—cherished image bearers of God, carriers of the life-giving breath of God, and people for whom Jesus died.

A call to Christ-honoring civility.

Yelling at someone never causes them to seek Jesus. Arguing over political points of view does not unite us as Americans. All of this bickering is little more than self-promotion, elevating ourselves to the position of judge and jury, making ourselves like God. We are all on very dangerous and unhallowed ground. God is the Righteous Judge of all nations and He makes His position very clear in Psalm 82:2-4:

How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the power of the wicked. (HCSB)

Instead of focusing on equality, tolerance, acceptance, and individual rights, why don’t we do what the Scripture says? Imagine with me people on both sides of the gun issue working to provide a loving atmosphere, food, and protection for the inner city children of America. How would that impact gun violence, gang affiliation, and the need all children have for love and a full tummy?

What if bloggers quit writing open letters to this person and against that celebrity and instead used their voices to promote beauty and love for the hurting and oppressed? Might that put a dent in suicide rates, cause church goers to be more understanding, and help the unsaved see themselves as the cherished ones God sees them as?

Righteous anger has its place.

Justice does as well. But this epidemic of “I’m better than you” has got to stop! The “it has to be said” attitude needs to give way to forgiveness and mercy. It doesn’t have to be said. Your opinion is only that—it isn’t gospel. God is judge. We are but unprofitable servants.

I am pleading for a cease fire from caustic words and hateful glances. Let us give thanks for the freedoms we all hold dear and endeavor to use our freedom to serve others. Let us put down our arguments and write someone a note telling them how loved they are by God. Let us honor the fallen, both of the distant and recent history, by choosing to live peaceably with all men. Paul called for the same in Romans 12:6-21. Showing respect to someone who opposes you is not to forsake your convictions, but to trust that God can work through love as He has promised to.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ESV