Finding Peace in the Hate
September 24, 2025
A Christian Response to Division and Hate
How Do We Find Peace in the Chaos? Everywhere we turn, we face division, outrage, and hostility. The internet, once a space to connect, has turned into a battlefield. A single post, comment, or even a lighthearted thought can spark insults and hateful attacks.
I’ve witnessed it myself. Sharing a perspective often unravels into name-calling, accusations, and disrespect. Words sting, but what troubles me most is what this behavior reveals about us as a society. We have forgotten how to disagree without demeaning. We’ve abandoned the art of listening with humility and responding with love.
Even so, Scripture calls us to a different standard: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19–20).
The Cost of a Selfish Society
At some point, we traded discipline for ease and service for self. As a result, our culture became consumed with instant gratification and personal comfort. When ideas challenge our worldview, we prefer to silence them rather than wrestle with them. When people disagree with us, we label them as enemies.
This kind of selfishness carries a heavy cost. It fuels loneliness, anxiety, anger, and fear. When everyone lives only for themselves, the very fabric of community begins to unravel.
Therefore, Paul’s words matter more than ever: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
A Call Back to Virtue
The problem runs deeper than politics. It is cultural, and it is spiritual. We’ve allowed distraction to replace virtue and comfort to crowd out discipline. On the other hand, Scripture reminds us that God equips us to live differently.
Christ calls us to something better. He calls us to pursue righteousness, to cultivate discipline, and to love sacrificially. These values don’t live in the abstract—they show up in our daily choices. Speak honestly instead of exaggerating. Listen before reacting. Extend grace when lashing out would be easier.
In addition, Paul urges us: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).
Reclaiming the Power of Family and Community
One of the strongest antidotes to division is the strength of families and communities. Investing in our homes, children, and neighborhoods plants seeds of stability and hope. In the same way, when we model respect, humility, and truth, the next generation learns to do the same.
Jesus provided this example. He spoke boldly, yet He lifted up the hurting, defended the oppressed, and reminded people of their worth. If we want real change, it begins at home—around our dinner tables, in our classrooms, and even in how we interact online.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
The Discipline of Hope
Meanwhile, news headlines can stir fear, but despair is not our inheritance. We belong to hope. And hope is not passive—it requires practice and discipline.
Hope means fixing our eyes on what God is restoring, not only on what is broken. Moreover, hope means refusing to add to the chorus of hate, even when hate is directed at us.
Romans 12:21 reminds us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Moving Forward
I will not always understand why others believe as they do, even within the body of Christ. However, judgment does not belong to me—it belongs to God. My call is to love, to pray, and to speak truth in grace.
Healing in our nation begins with us. It starts with discipline in daily life, virtue in our choices, and love in our words. In the same way, it looks like showing the next generation that disagreement doesn’t require demeaning, conviction doesn’t require cruelty, and unity doesn’t require abandoning truth.
My prayer is simple: may we calm the noise, rise above the chaos, and remember who we are called to be. May we look to Jesus—not headlines, not politicians—for our example and our peace.
A Closing Prayer
Father, we come before You weary from the noise of the world. Forgive us for our quick tempers, our lack of listening, and our harsh judgments. Teach us to live as peacemakers. Give us courage to speak truth with grace, wisdom to know when to be silent, and hearts that reflect Your compassion. Help us guard our families, rebuild our communities, and choose hope over fear. Make us lights in the darkness, firm in truth yet marked by humility. Bring healing to our divided nation and let peace begin with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Disclaimer: This post is written from my personal perspective as a woman of faith. It is not professional counseling advice. If you are struggling with your mental health or experiencing distress, please seek support from a licensed professional counselor in your area.
With grace and light,
Jess
