Prepare now to receive back those you strongly disagreed with and distanced yourself from during this unusual pandemic and election season. Do it for the sake of God’s Kingdom and your spiritual wellbeing. An opposing opinion is not enough of a reason to separate believers long-term. The first twelve disciples had a broad spectrum of social opinions, yet they could work together because they kept their eyes on Jesus.

In the Corinthian church, a man committed a terrible sin. It was so bad that Paul told the Corinthians in his first letter to remove the man from fellowship. His removal was part of a process of redemption. In his second letter, a year later, Paul wrote, 

“Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him” (II Corinthians 2: 7-8).

While the man’s sin in the Corinthian church was more grievous and impactful than someone having a different opinion about a health issue or an election, the fundamental truth remains the same. All failed human relationships are meant for redemption, not forever judgment and separation. 

Many voices are currently speaking and vying for our attention. Some of these voices are motivated by spirits that oppose the redemptive heart of God. These spirits are political, religious, and in some cases, actual witchcraft. They are cunning and can craft just the rights words to justify our continued rejection of someone with whom we disagreed. If we are unwilling to reaffirm these relationships, our love will grow cold, and we will find ourselves standing alone with only our opinion to comfort us.