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On Friendship (part 5)

In recent years, I have been made more aware of just how polarized our world has become. More and more, especially now, in the never ending craziness that is 2020, we are being forced to choose sides, to always speak up, telling others they must speak out. Today, it is commonplace for people to choose sides, often then refusing to listen to an opposing view. 

But worse than that, we live in a world that, saddest of all, is forcing us to choose  a side over our friends. Increasingly, we live in a world where it is no longer acceptable to have friends who believe differently than us, even in the slightest of ways, big or small. We are repeatedly told by those in our lives who to talk to, who to befriend. And we are shamed when we dare go outside of the norm- that hurts on a deep level. Why must we choose between our church and our friends? Why must one not be allowed to go to the movies with a friend simply because their parents have made different choices than what some may deem acceptable? Why is it acceptable for someone to scoff at a friendship based solely on who one may choose to marry?

As Christians, aren't we first called to love? How are we to share God's love, the truth of His Word, if we are too afraid to befriend those who may in fact believe differently than us? How can we expect those around us to even entertain a different opinion or view when there is such hatred on either side of any issue?

Why is it wrong and no longer acceptable to have friends with different opinions? At what point was it suddenly okay to demand a side must be chosen, not just any side, though, if we are going to maintain friendships, we must choose THE RIGHT side. When did this become friendship? And why is it okay? Friendship is a million little things, but it is not choosing sides. It's laughter, it's tears, it's phone calls, it's venting, it's showing up, it's helping, it's hugs and reassurances, it's stepping up, it's loving, it's consistency. 

Everyday maybe we should remember that "it's hard to hate someone whose story you know," but maybe we should also remember that it's okay to be different, it's okay to have an opposing opinion, and it's okay to be friends with those you may disagree with.

"I can't stress the value in leaving your 'social bubble' sometimes. Beyond your city, beyond your usual 'type' of friends, beyond the places you usually frequent...there's so much more to discover. So much more will contribute to your growth and open your views." Author Unknown

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