3 Ways to Love in a Divided World
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but love isn’t something we should celebrate just once a year. As followers of Christ, we are called to love—not just when it’s easy, not just those who think like us, and not just when it’s expected. Jesus didn’t say, “Love your friends.” He said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), and yes, that includes the neighbor whose views, background, or experiences are different from ours.
So, how can we carry the spirit of love beyond chocolates and flowers? Here are three ways to love more intentionally, especially in a world that feels increasingly divided:
1. Listen With an Open Heart
So often, we listen to respond rather than to understand. True love looks like hearing someone’s story—even when it challenges us. The next time you find yourself in a conversation with someone whose experiences or views differ from yours, pause before reacting. Ask a question instead. Seek to understand rather than to be right.
2. Show Up for Others
Love isn’t just words; it’s action. Are there people in your community who feel unseen, unheard, or excluded? Maybe it’s a neighbor who’s struggling, a co-worker who feels out of place, or a family member who needs a little extra grace. A small act of kindness—checking in, lending a hand, or simply offering a smile—can be a powerful expression of love.
3. See Christ in Every Person
Jesus didn’t just serve those who looked, thought, or lived like Him. He embraced the outcasts, the overlooked, and the marginalized. What if we did the same? What if we made the conscious choice to see the dignity and worth of every person we encounter? Loving like Christ means stepping beyond comfort and choosing compassion over division.
This week, let’s love beyond Valentine’s Day. Let’s love beyond convenience. And let’s love beyond the barriers the world tries to put between us. Because love—real, Christ-centered love—is the only thing that truly transforms hearts.
