Becoming a Christ-filled community in our contentious culture

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.... (Romans 12.2)

The other night, during our neighborhood Tuesday dinner, the conversation drifted to the events surrounding the inauguration of the 45^th President of the United States. Several at the table shared that they could not watch the live broadcast of this ceremony. The reason, and I quote, is that “We can’t stand looking at that man.”  Harsh, but honest. In fact, te unity of opposition towards our new President was remarkable, because those seated around our dinner table rarely agree about anything!  

We are blessed with friends who love each other, but who usually share different, if not opposing political or philosophical views. This usually makes for lively, but friendly exchanges of ideas or beliefs. 

Few of us, it seems, enjoy the liberty of such a table fellowship. 

For most of us, we have been "un-friended" for our opposing beliefs, shunned for disagreeing on political preferences, and even harassed for holding dissenting views on public policy.

How, then, do we respond in these contentious times?