I am deeply concerned about many things happening in our world today—wars, division, fear, and unrest. But perhaps the most troubling question we must ask is this:
Who are we becoming as a people in the midst of multiple crises?
The Crisis of Character
The FAA reported over 4,000 incidents of unruly passengers on flights this year alone. Restaurant workers are experiencing an alarming increase in customer rudeness.
It doesn’t stop there. In a 2017 study of neonatal intensive care units, researchers found that teams exposed to harsh, scolding comments performed worse—some even misdiagnosed patients. A related study showed that over 40% of hospital errors leading to death were linked to rude behavior.
What does this mean? Anger and unkindness don’t just stay with us—they spread like a virus, affecting those around us.
What Does This Mean for the Church?
If we, as followers of Christ, allow anger, division, and pride to define us—what happens to our testimony?
“What good is it if we win every argument but lose our identity in Christ?”
Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be known for our love for one another and that we would be unified in Him. Unity doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional effort.
Walking Worthy of Our Calling
Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV)
I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Let’s break this down.
1. Show Humility, Gentleness, and Patience
We all battle the flesh—our default settings of pride, selfishness, and anger. But God calls us to be filled with the Spirit, which enables us to live beyond ourselves and to reflect the character of Christ.
2. How Can We Have a Christ-Like Focus?
Here are a few intentional practices:
- Think of others often and pray for them.
- Correct offenses gently, when possible.
- Forgive willingly, not reluctantly.
- Avoid analysis paralysis—don’t overthink your way out of grace.
3. Basics of a Healthy Conversation
To reflect Christ in our communication, practice the following:
🔸 Listen
Don’t mentally prepare your reply while the other person speaks. Listen like you’re defusing a bomb—because you are: a relational one.
🔸 Understand
Put yourself in their shoes. Remember the frustration when someone doesn’t get you? Reverse the roles.
🔸 Verify
Repeat back what they said in your own words. Show them you understand.
🔸 Value
Let people know their thoughts matter, even if you don’t agree. It’s better they shared with you than gossiped to someone else.
🔸 Apologize
Not: “I’m sorry you misunderstood.” Just: “I’m sorry.” Real apologies open doors for healing and dialogue.
4. What About Speaking the Truth?
Truth and love must go hand in hand.
“A Pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself.” – A.W. Tozer
Too many Christians use “speaking the truth” as an excuse to be rude. Truth must be spoken in love. When we actually care about others, even correction becomes an act of grace.
- Don’t cause others to stumble.
- Correct in private, praise in public.
- Maintain the bond of peace.
Unity in Diversity
The body of Christ is diverse—and that’s what makes it strong. Paul often addressed divisions over non-essentials in the early church. True unity doesn’t require uniformity. We may differ in opinions, but we are called to be united in love.
Non-essentials aren’t unimportant, but they’re not worth division.
Most of Paul’s letters address this very issue—the destructive potential of the sin nature when allowed to fester in the church.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Love First
“The fruit of the Spirit begins with love…
Joy is love exulting; peace is love in repose;
Long-suffering is love on trial; gentleness is love in society;
Goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield;
Meekness is love at school, and temperance is love in training.”
Love is the foundation. Love at the top, love at the bottom, and love all the way through.
Final Thought
In a world that’s growing colder and angrier, the people of God must shine with the warmth of Christlike love.
So I ask you again:
Who are we becoming?
And even more importantly—
Who are we becoming like?
Let it be Jesus.