Last Sunday, I acknowledged the unsettling state of the country. I asked for a show of hands: who has stopped watching the news because of the stress it brings? Not surprisingly, several hands were raised. It is upsetting when we think about the fragile state of the United States government. Corruption and greed are at all-time highs. The economy for average Americans is bad and seems to be getting worse. People are distressed about the state of the politics and leadership. We are so deeply divided.

And it’s not general disagreement of opinion. It is holding our views expressed with hostility and certainty that our side is right. Families have been split by the hostility. The split is vivid between those who join us and those who repel us: Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative. It has me and many others wondering how do we break this frozen, unhelpful, and even dangerous divide?

Of course, America and other countries have been in this place countless times in history. People I encounter are wondering, what can break the fever? When we have been deeply divided, it has often been public activism that has moved decision-makers.

When I was reflecting on this topic and hoping to share it, two iconic figures came to mind: Mahatma Gandhi in India and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the US. Each of these individuals led a movement for justice and equality that gained traction and shook the structure of their nations. Each was moved by a different influence. Gandhi’s energizing principle was rooted in Hinduism while Dr. King was rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gandhi’s operative word was ‘Truth’, and Dr. King’s was ‘Agape Love’. Each had a profound influence on shaping and reshaping the reality for their oppressed communities. What joined Gandhi and King was their unshakable commitment to non-violence. In fact, Dr. King’s doctoral thesis at Boston University was on Gandhi’s approach of nonviolent resistance and nonviolent direct action.

In the end, Gandhi’s movement secured India’s independence from Great Britain, and King’s initiatives resulted in awareness of civil rights and racial justice. It just seemed appropriate to me that I should at least reference this idea for The Gathering. To be part of any movement rooted in non-violence and following the lead of Jesus can, in fact, have the power that most of us don’t have. We can support those who use peaceful strategies to change laws, direction, and even leadership.

I pray that we can come to some way to move past violent and hateful rhetoric. Winning hearts means ceasing the cruel rhetoric that demonizes the ‘other’. Let’s get to the place of ‘love your enemy’ and ‘do good to those who oppress you’. “If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn and show him the other.” Do not retaliate. The lesson from both Gandhi and King is that eventually this will change hearts and open people to the possibility of love and community.

Have a blessed day!