Like so many Americans, my heart aches over the growing lack of civility and deepening division in our nation. What troubles me most is how much of this brokenness is fueled by hatred—even among those who call themselves followers of Christ, on both the “Christian Right” and the “Christian Left.”

Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost sight of the very heart of our faith. Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love one another. Yet, as a collective body of believers (me included), we’ve fallen short. We’ve forgotten the fruit of the Spirit, neglected the beauty of the Beatitudes, and ignored the life-giving wisdom of the Ten Commandments. Far too often, our loyalty to political parties and personalities outweighs our devotion to the Prince of Peace. Social media, with its constant noise and manipulation, has numbed our compassion and poisoned our souls. It’s driven wedges where Christ called us to build bridges.

If we continue down this path, our division will destroy not only our unity as Christians but the very fabric of our democracy. But it doesn’t have to be this way. I’m asking you—my brothers and sisters in Christ—to join me in reclaiming the way of Jesus: to be peace, to do justice, to speak truth, and to spread hope.

Together, we can live out the beautiful vision of Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

I’m weary of the fighting. I long to honor the legacy and teachings of the One who calmed storms and healed hearts—the Prince of Peace. He is our only hope.