And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
I think that scripture is especially pertinent now, when there seems to be a good deal of contention and division. I think it's important that we find common ground, "look forward with one eye," and work together to bring about positive change.
I think we can agree that violence is generally bad, that innocent people shouldn't be killed or attacked or have their businesses vandalized, and that those who do harmful things should be held accountable. We can agree that our "criminal justice system" should be just, and not criminal. We can agree that black lives matter. We can agree that all lives matter. And we can agree that it's well past time for the pain and the violence and the discrimination and the hatred to stop.
We are all brothers and sisters. We are all family, despite any genetic, cultural, or personal differences. That which unites us as children of God should be stronger than that which divides us along racial or political lines. We should have "[our] hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another," and while there will always be disagreements, "there should be no contention" among us.
Of course, this goal is easier stated than achieved, but if we choose to love each other as brothers and sisters instead of hating each other as racists and rioters, then that will be a big step toward "having [our] hearts knit together in unity and in love" and toward working together to bringing about the changes we can agree need to be made.
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