Romans 5:8 (NLT) “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
As Christians, we are called to stand for the truth. But when we encounter people who see the world differently, it’s all too easy to take it personally. Sometimes, what looks like standing for truth is really just defending ourselves—our pride, our fears, or our preferences.
It might be a natural competitiveness, a desire to be right, or even grief over the direction the world seems to be going. Whether it’s someone liking a rival sports team, holding a different view on a global issue, or debating where (or whether) to buy gas—opinions abound. And when the stakes are high, as they often are in matters of faith, it becomes even harder to stay grounded in love.
In the middle of that tension, I remember something the president of my college once said:
“We need to live with a firm center and soft edges.”
In other words, hold tight to the truth, but stay kind and gracious in how you carry it. People are not the enemy. They are people to be loved.
I need that reminder often. It’s surprisingly easy to step out of a posture of grace and humility—the very posture Jesus had toward us while we were still his enemies.
So here are a few questions I’ve been asking myself:
- Am I standing for truth or just standing my ground?
- Do I reflect the kindness of Christ in the way I disagree?
- Can I reject falsehood or sin while still holding on to the person?
- Do others walk away from me feeling heard—even if not agreed with?
- Am I becoming more like Jesus in how I handle opposition?
Jesus didn’t soften the truth, but he didn’t harden his heart, either.
Firm center. Soft edges. That’s how he loved us.
Can I learn to treat others not only with the love of Jesus but in the way of Jesus? Can I learn not only to stand for Jesus, but to walk with others the way Jesus walked with me?