Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ
As we look back on October, which marked the start of the holiday season, we’ve already begun to see the familiar mixtures of joy and tension that come with this time of year. The deeper emotions of connection—and sometimes division—often surface during this season. Holidays tend to bring long-standing differences within our families or the broader communities we are part of to the forefront. Navigating these challenges requires us to also acknowledge the weight of the current social and political landscape. With an election season on the horizon, the growing tension from differences in beliefs and values becomes even more apparent.
Elections often reveal the best and worst in us. While we fight for what we believe in, it’s easy to forget the compassion and understanding that our faith calls us to embody. However, our faith offers hope and a path forward in times of division. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Godself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Godself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.” Agreeing to disagree respectfully while still holding ourselves accountable to engage in meaningful dialogue on important issues can build healthy relationships. But the call does not stop there. We are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, sharing grace, and healing with others. This extends beyond mending personal relationships, including healing divisions in our communities, nation, and world.
Practical Steps for Reconciliation:
Reconciliation often begins with small steps: listening without interrupting, acknowledging someone else’s pain, or agreeing to disagree respectfully while holding ourselves accountable to engage in meaningful dialogue on important issues. Here are a few ways to practice reconciliation during this season:
• Start with humility: Approach conversations with an open heart, ready to hear the other person’s perspective.
• Listen deeply: Ensure you fully understand the other person’s feelings before responding.
• Speak gracefully: Choose words that reflect compassion and respect, even when disagreeing.
This upcoming season provides a unique opportunity to live out this ministry of reconciliation. Whether at the family dinner table, in conversations with friends, or during moments of reflection, we are called to be agents of healing. Christ has taught us the tools to bridge gaps and heal wounds. We have already received grace and forgiveness and are empowered to offer the same to others.
As tensions rise during election and holiday seasons when polarizing opinions can create division, remember that our faith gives us a different perspective. We can lead with compassion, understanding, and unity. Even in the most divided circumstances, reconciliation is possible, embodying the message of Christ—one of grace, love, and reconciliation for all.