Last Sunday our pastor preached about unity in Christ. As I sat in my familiar pew, his words struck deeper than usual. Just days earlier, I’d ended a 15-year friendship over political differences that had grown too painful to navigate.
How did we as Christians arrive at this place? When did our political or cultural identities begin to overshadow our identity in Christ? I've noticed—not only in my personal relationships, but across our denomination—a growing tendency to define ourselves first by our positions on social issues and only secondarily as followers of Jesus.
Scripture repeatedly calls us to unity. In Ephesians 4:3-6, Paul urges us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.”
This doesn't mean we shouldn’t have convictions. Rather, it reminds us that these convictions exist within a larger, more important framework: our shared faith in Christ.
In Canada and the United States, Christians face intense pressure to align with political tribes. Media ecosystems encourage us to view those who disagree as not just wrong, but morally deficient or even dangerous. This tribalism has seeped into our churches, threatening the unity Christ prayed for in John 17.
When I reflected honestly about my ended friendship, I recognized how I’d begun to see my friend primarily through a political lens rather than as a fellow image-bearer. I’d forgotten our shared history—how she brought meals when my father was in hospice, how we prayed together through job losses and family struggles.
What might change if we intentionally practiced seeing each other first as brothers and sisters in Christ, even amid deep disagreements? What if we approached difficult conversations with curiosity instead of defensiveness?
Last week, I reached out to my friend. Our conversation wasn’t easy, and our differences remain. But we committed to prioritizing our shared faith above our political identities. We’re learning to disagree while still honoring Christ in each other.
In our polarized culture, perhaps one of the most powerful witnesses the church can offer is the countercultural ability to remain in communion despite deep differences—not by minimizing important issues, but by remembering that our primary citizenship isn’t in any earthly kingdom, but in God’s kingdom.
When the world’s divisions threaten to overwhelm us, may we find our center not in our positions, but in the person of Jesus Christ.
About the Author
Charlene Trino is a writer and speaker based in Toronto, Ont. She is an active member of Grace Community Church, where she leads small group studies and mentors young professionals.