We live in a time of deep divisions—socially, politically, and even spiritually. It seems as if there are barriers everywhere, working to divide us one from another. The divides can seem insurmountable, whether we feel divided by race, politics, beliefs, or even family matters. But what if the answer to healing these rifts lies not in grand gestures or high-pressure speeches but in the simple yet profound teachings of Jesus?
What if many of the answers we all seek to modern problems of divisiveness and outrage culture are found in something very ancient?
In His famous Sermon on the Mount, specifically in the New Testament, Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus lays out a blueprint for how we, as individuals, can begin to mend the brokenness around us. These verses, commonly known as the Beatitudes, offer us a challenging yet refreshing way of navigating conflict and division. They’re not just spiritual ideals—they’re practical steps that can guide us in bridging the divides that keep us apart. What if the solution were found not among the ‘higher ups ’ of society but in the local church? Let’s explore how the way of Jesus can bring healing to a world that so desperately needs it.
1. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit: Cultivating Humility in Conflict
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
One of the greatest obstacles to healing divides is pride. It’s hard to see the other person’s perspective when we’re entrenched in our own views or convinced of our own righteousness and ‘right-ness.’ Being “poor in spirit’ really means recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses. It means choosing, deliberately, almost ruthlessly, to be curious. It’s about humbling ourselves and admitting that we don’t have all the answers.
In moments of conflict, humility invites us to listen rather than speak. It encourages us to seek understanding rather than trying to be understood. If we are to bridge divides, we must first let go of our need to win and instead focus on fostering connection. Most of us reading this will never be guilty of heinous crimes and other scandalous issues, but we all suffer, to varying degrees, from needing to be correct, to win, to never look like we’ve lost an interaction. The Christian faith has a name for this malady- Pride. The antidote-seeking connection and choosing to be curious about the other person’s perspective. This is also what the New Testament calls humility.
2. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn: Empathy as a Bridge
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
The Beatitudes invite us to step into the pain of others. Mourning here is not just about personal loss; it’s about recognizing the brokenness in the world and grieving over it. It’s about caring enough to let that which is but ought not to be, impact us as it should. Whether it’s the pain of racial injustice, the loneliness of a neighbor, or the hurt caused by political polarization, this kind of mourning calls for empathy.
Empathy is one of the most powerful tools for bridging divides. When we take the time to truly see and feel the pain of others, it becomes harder to remain divided. Instead of standing on opposite sides of an issue, we find common ground in our shared humanity. When we mourn with those who mourn, we build bridges of compassion that can pave the way for healing. It becomes much easier to drop the desire to win and adopt the willingness to understand first.
3. Blessed Are the Meek: Strength in Gentleness
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
The idea of meekness often gets misunderstood. It’s not about being weak or passive. Instead, it’s about strength under control. The meek (according to the word used in this text from Matthew’s Gospel) are those who don’t assert their own power to dominate others but use their strength to serve, uplift and take responsibility for their emotions- so that emotions do not run out of control and become the excuse for causing harm.
In our divided world, the temptation is to push back with force when someone opposes us. We often really want to pull off a nice verbal takedown of the other person. It makes something inside of us feel good. There’s that sin of Pride again. But Jesus calls us to a different kind of strength—the strength of gentleness. Being meek doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations; it means approaching them with a spirit of calm and kindness and genuine curiosity. When we respond to conflict with gentleness, we create space for dialogue and mutual respect, which is essential to bridging divides. You may be noticing something; this is not easy.
4. Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Seeking Justice Together
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Righteousness in this context goes beyond personal morality—it extends to justice in the world. It’s a deep desire for things to be made right, not just for ourselves but also for others.
When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we aren’t content to let injustices go unchecked. However, pursuing justice doesn’t have to mean divisiveness, and it’s not an excuse for ‘winner-take-all’ in our interactions with others. It’s about seeking what is right in a way that includes and uplifts others. Whether it’s advocating for the marginalized or simply standing up for a neighbor, our pursuit of justice can become a way to bridge divides when it’s done with a spirit of love and fairness.
5. Blessed Are the Merciful: The Power of Forgiveness
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
Mercy is perhaps one of the most counter-cultural values in a world that often promotes retaliation. When someone wrongs us, the natural response is to seek retribution, to even the score. But mercy calls us to a higher path—the path of forgiveness. This, too, is the way of Jesus.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing or ignoring the hurt, but it does mean letting go of the need for revenge. In moments of division, offering mercy is a powerful way to bridge the gap. It says, “I value our relationship more than being right.” Mercy opens the door to reconciliation, even when the other person may not deserve it. If you consider yourself a Christian, then I assure you that you have already received mercy that you did not earn or deserve. Healing what divides this world is centered on us extending what we have received freely from Jesus, to those around us.
6. Blessed Are the Pure in Heart: Bridging Divides with Integrity
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
A pure heart is one that is free from ulterior motives. In the context of division, it’s about approaching others with honesty and sincerity. Too often, our interactions are clouded by hidden agendas—whether it’s winning an argument, proving our point, or advancing our own cause. But when our hearts are pure, we can engage in conversations with integrity.
This kind of authenticity is magnetic. People can sense when you’re being real, and it fosters trust. If we want to bridge divides, we need to come to the table with clean hands and pure hearts, genuinely seeking understanding rather than manipulation.
7. Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Actively Bridging the Divide
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Being a peacemaker is not about avoiding conflict; it’s about stepping into it with the intention of bringing resolution. Peacemakers are bridge-builders. They are the ones who go out of their way to create understanding where there is division.
In a world that often thrives on conflict, being a peacemaker is revolutionary. It’s not an easy task, and it requires courage and true strength. But the reward is great. When we work to bring people together—whether in our families, our communities, or our nation—we reflect the very nature of Jesus.
8. Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted: Standing Firm in Love
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
Standing up for what is right, especially in a divided world, will often lead to resistance. Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy. In fact, He warned that it could lead to persecution. Suffering because of that is not always a problem that needs to be solved. Even in the face of opposition, we are called to stand firm—not with anger or hostility, but with love.
When we are persecuted for doing what is right, we have a choice: we can become bitter, or we can continue to love, His most powerful work was done in suffering on The Cross. We who claim Him as Lord and Savior are foolish to imagine that similar suffering should never come our way. It’s in those moments of resistance and even persecution that our commitment to bridging divides is tested. But when we choose love over hate, we take one more step toward healing the divides that keep us apart. And we take one more step in reminding others of Jesus.
Moving From Conflict to Connection
The Beatitudes offer us more than just spiritual encouragement—they are a practical guide for how we can begin to heal the rifts in our divided world. By embracing humility, empathy, gentleness, justice, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and love, we can move from conflict to connection.
As you reflect on these teachings, consider the divides in your own life. Where is there conflict? Who do you find difficult to understand or relate to? What relationships feel broken or distant?
Start small. Begin by practicing just one of these Beatitudes in your daily life. Whether it’s showing mercy to a co-worker, listening humbly to someone with different views, or actively seeking peace in your family, each step you take brings you closer to the connection and unity that Jesus promises.
Don’t do this alone. Involve a trusted Christian friend to hold you accountable. This seldom works in isolation.
In a world full of division, be a bridge-builder. And as you do, you’ll not only help heal the wounds of others—you’ll find healing for your own heart as well.
See you Sunday, September 8th at 10:00 am as we unpack this a bit more and continue embracing our call as a church to heal and unite in a world that seems bent on harming and dividing.
Blessings!
Pastor Mark
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