Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus in Divided Times

We are living in a moment where voices are loud, opinions are strong, and division seems to run deep both in the world and within the church. Everywhere we turn, there are competing narratives, differing convictions, and deeply held beliefs that people truly feel are from God which often clash. Social issues, political leaders, pandemic responses, and the long aftermath of COVID-19 have all left their mark. What once felt unified now often feels fractured.

Within the body of Christ, this division can feel especially painful. These aren’t just strangers we disagree with they are brothers and sisters, fellow believers, people we have worshipped beside, prayed with, and served alongside. And yet, the fractures are real. I’ve sat with believers over the past few years and realized that we perceive what’s happening in the world through a completely different lens and it’s truly unsettling. In 2026 the viewpoints are so polarizing that some find it hard to accept each other.

Honestly, my first instinct is to run. It feels exhausting trying to sort through why people think the way they do, so my natural response is: don’t bother, just keep your distance. And if you’re anything like me, some of those differences feel tied to core values, which makes you wonder… is it even worth trying to stay close? But some of these people may be family or lifelong friends. These are relationships that actually matter. So running isn’t the way, taking time to listen is. All of us have to learn how to navigate the tension and our differences without losing sight of what matters most: Jesus.

I really believe God calls us to fight for our relationships and preserve them whenever we can, even when it’s hard. Not every disagreement has to lead to distance. Moments like the split between Paul the Apostle and Barnabas remind us that sometimes separation happens but that should be the exception.

This isn’t new in the body of Christ, but it seems much deeper and divided than it ever has in my lifetime. I’ve watched parents and children, husbands and wives and church members fracture because of the viewpoints that are prevelant today and for some these differences are relationship deal breakers. This is a tragedy.

So how do we remain grounded? How do we navigate a world and even a church that feels increasingly divided?

For me, there has been one verse that has anchored my heart and guided my ministry through every season:

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

This verse is not just a comforting reminder, it’s a way forward.

Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

The writer of Hebrews gives us a clear directive: keep your eyes on Jesus. Not on the noise. Not on the arguments. Not even on the failures of others. Jesus is both the starting point and the finisher of our faith. He is the one who calls us, sustains us, and ultimately brings our journey to completion.

When our focus shifts from Jesus to conflict, we lose clarity. But when we fix our eyes on Him, everything else finds its proper place. Jesus endured unimaginable suffering, the cross, the shame, the rejection and yet He remained anchored in the joy set before Him. That joy wasn’t circumstantial; it was eternal. It was rooted in redemption, restoration, and the love of the Father.

In divided times, we are called to that same kind of focus. Not a passive avoidance of reality, but a deliberate, unwavering attention to Christ.

Understanding the Nature of Division

Division is not new. The early church faced disagreements, cultural tensions, and theological disputes. Yet Scripture consistently calls believers to unity not uniformity, a unity rooted in love and truth.

Today, the fractures we see are often fueled by fear, misinformation, hurt, and deeply personal convictions. Issues surrounding leadership, public health, and social change have only intensified these divides. But here’s the important distinction: disagreement does not have to lead to division. A divided church is a weak church, a divided family is a broken family, a divided marriage is a recipe for disaster. We need to try to live with love at the forefront of our lives or we will not survive what’s happening around us.

Division occurs when love is replaced by suspicion, when humility gives way to pride, and when we begin to see others not as fellow image-bearers of God, but as opponents to be defeated.

Loving People in the Midst of Differences

Jesus never called us to agree with everyone, but He did call us to love everyone.

Loving people in the midst of differences requires intentionality. It means listening before speaking. God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. It means seeking understanding rather than assuming motives. It means choosing kindness even when it is not reciprocated.

We are warned about this in scripture when Paul pleaded with the Ephesians to stay unified and loving.

Ephesians 4:1-6 NLT
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 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, who is over all and through all and in all.

Love is not weakness; it is strength under control. It is the willingness to remain present, patient, and compassionate, even when conversations are difficult.

This kind of love reflects the heart of Christ. He met people where they were tax collectors, sinners, religious leaders, doubters and extended grace without compromising truth.

We are called to do the same.

Discernment: Watching the Fruit

While love calls us to embrace people, wisdom calls us to discern what is influencing them – and us.

Jesus taught that we can recognize a tree by its fruit. This principle is vital in times of division. Not every voice deserves equal weight. Not every perspective is rooted in truth or love.

When someone consistently sows division, stirs up conflict, or operates from a place of anger, fear, or pride, it is important to pause and discern. What fruit is being produced? Is it leading toward unity, peace, and righteousness or toward confusion and strife?

Discernment is not about judgment or superiority. It is about spiritual awareness. It is about protecting the health of our hearts and the unity of the body.

We can love people deeply while also recognizing when their influence may not be life giving.

Guarding our Own Hearts

In divided times, it is easy to become reactive. To pick sides. To get pulled into arguments that drain us and distract us from our core purpose.

But Scripture invites us to a different posture.

We are called to guard our hearts, to pay attention to what we are consuming. What we are meditating on, and what is shaping our thoughts? Are we feeding on fear or faith? Are we being formed more by the voices around us or by the voice of Jesus?

Returning to Hebrews 12:2, we are reminded that our focus determines our direction. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are less likely to be swayed by every shifting opinion or cultural wave.

Unity Does Not Mean Sameness

We can hold different perspectives while still honouring one another. We should be able to engage in meaningful conversations without allowing them to fracture relationships. I admit it’s not so easy today. When believers argue online it just repels people away from Jesus and it’s a complete turn off. Why would people want to be part of a church/family/organization that doesn’t treat its own with respect?

This requires humility the willingness to admit we don’t have all the answers and grace, the willingness to extend kindness even when we disagree.

Staying Anchored in Hard Times

There will always be seasons where the noise feels overwhelming. Where division feels discouraging. Where it seems easier to withdraw than to engage.

But this is when we need to anchor ourselves more deeply in our faith in Jesus.

Spend time in His presence. Return to His Word. Surround yourself with voices that point you back to truth and love.

And remember: Jesus is not shaken by the divisions we see. He is still building His church. He is still at work in hearts. He is still faithful.

A Call to Hope and Faithfulness

In a world full of competing voices, we have the opportunity to be different. We can be people who listen well. Who love deeply. Who speak truth with grace. Who refuse to be pulled into unnecessary division.

We can be people who fix our eyes on Jesus.

Because when we do, we become steady in the storm. We become carriers of peace in a culture of conflict. We become reflections of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.

So take a deep breath. Lift your eyes. And remember where your focus belongs – on Jesus.