Thoughts on Respect by Tonya Griffith

As we step into this new year, I’ve been sitting with a heavy heart under the weight of how divided our country has become — and how much pain, fear, and anger are showing up in and dividing families, friendships, churches, and communities.

I have people I love on every side of our political divides. I see how easily fear hardens into certainty, how quickly anger becomes justified, and how often we begin to treat one another as enemies rather than neighbors.

As a follower of Jesus, I keep coming back to this conviction:
We are never called to engage one another as enemies. ( Luke 6:32)

Jesus was clear that resisting evil does not mean using evil in return. He taught us to love our enemies, to do good to those who oppose us, and to refuse the easy righteousness of loving only those who already agree with us. If our way of defending truth costs us love, then we're not doing  it right. (Eph 6:12) 

This does not mean ignoring injustice.
It does not mean silence in the face of harm.
And it does not mean moral passivity.

It means refusing to dehumanize others… ANY others.

Scripture reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the forces that thrive on fear, accusation, and division. When we turn people into enemies, we participate in the very thing we’re meant to resist. Every person — without exception — bears the image of God.

So the questions I’m holding as we begin this year are:
Can we point out what actions and behaviors are wrong without tearing down one another?

Can we stand with the vulnerable without surrendering our humanity?

Can we resist evil without becoming agents of accusation ourselves?

I feel called — personally and professionally — to walk a path of love that is neither naïve nor violent, neither silent nor cruel. A path that insists on truth and dignity. A path that refuses the lure of polarization. We can disagree on issues, but still respect people. 

If you feel that tug too — the desire to stay respectful, grounded, and courageous in a season of outrage — you are not alone.

May this year find us practicing a deeper kind of strength:
Clarity without contempt, conviction without dehumanization, and Love that looks more like kindness than hatred.

Holding on to Hope for the year ahead,
Tonya Griffith
Life Coach @New Groove Coaching