Loving Faithfulness in a Divided World: A Call to Live Out Mercy

In a world increasingly marked by division, especially during political seasons, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of hostility and judgment. The constant barrage of opinions, policies, and disagreements can lead us to draw lines between “us” and “them,” making it hard to see the humanity in those on the other side of the divide. As followers of Christ, however, we are called to something radically different. Micah 6:8 offers a guide to living that transcends societal and political boundaries: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

This powerful verse calls us to a life of justice, mercy, and humility, but it can be difficult to know how to live it out in such polarized times. Specifically, what does it mean to “love faithfulness” or loving-kindness, as the original Hebrew text says? How can we, as Christians, embody mercy and faithfulness in a culture that often encourages us to be merciless to those we disagree with?

The Meaning of Loving Faithfulness

At the heart of Micah 6:8 is the concept of loving-kindness, a term often translated as mercy, steadfast love, or faithfulness. It’s a word that carries the depth of God’s character—His unwavering commitment to love His people, even when they fall short. In the Bible, this idea speaks not just of an emotion but of an action—an active, loyal love that is steadfast and enduring.

In fact, the Hebrew word for love in this context is ahav, which implies a deep affection and loyal commitment. When combined with loving-kindness, it means to love steadfastly, showing mercy and faithfulness even when it’s undeserved. This is the kind of love that God extends to us, and it’s the kind of love we are called to extend to others.

To love faithfulness means to actively choose to delight in showing mercy, kindness, and compassion toward others. It’s more than just performing random acts of kindness; it’s a deep, heartfelt commitment to living in a way that reflects God’s unchanging love. But what does that look like in our daily lives, especially when we encounter people with whom we fundamentally disagree?

God’s Faithfulness: Our Example

God’s steadfast love toward humanity is our ultimate example of what it means to love faithfulness. Despite our sins and failings, God remains merciful to us because He sees us as His beloved creation, made in His image. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read, “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”

God’s mercy flows from His deep love for us, and it’s this same mercy that we are called to show others. His love is not conditional or based on our performance; it is steadfast, faithful, and enduring. This is a profound truth: God’s faithfulness to us is not just about how He treats us, but about how He sees us—as His image-bearers, deserving of mercy and love.

In the same way, if we are to truly love faithfulness, we must see others as God sees them. This requires a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing others through the lens of their political beliefs, mistakes, or societal status, we must see them as people made in the image of God. This can be challenging, especially when our differences seem insurmountable, but it is essential if we are to live out steadfast love.

Seeing People as Image-Bearers

James 3:9 offers a stark reminder: “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness.” This inconsistency calls us to a deeper practice of mercy. How can we praise God on Sunday and then turn around and speak harshly or dismissively of others during the week, especially those with whom we disagree? If we are to love faithfulness, we must begin by seeing every person as an image-bearer of God.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. In Matthew 9:36, we read, “When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus didn’t view people as problems to be solved but as precious souls in need of love and guidance. His compassion wasn’t dependent on their worthiness—it was rooted in His deep love for them as God’s children.

This is the heart of mercy. It’s not about whether someone “deserves” our kindness or compassion; it’s about recognizing that they are beloved by God, just as we are. This shift in perspective allows us to extend mercy even when it’s difficult, even when we don’t feel like it, and even when the other person may not deserve it by human standards.

Practical Steps to Live Out Faithfulness

Living out steadfast love—loving faithfulness—is not something that happens naturally. It requires intentionality and a daily commitment to see others through God’s eyes. Here are a few practical ways we can live this out in our daily lives:

• Forgive others – Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to be “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Forgiveness is a profound act of mercy, and it’s one of the clearest ways we can reflect God’s love toward others. Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or even someone on the opposite side of a political debate, forgiveness allows us to extend the same mercy that God has shown us.
• Withhold judgment – In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus teaches, “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.” When we withhold judgment, we give people the space to be human, to make mistakes, and to grow. Mercy requires that we resist the urge to judge others harshly and instead extend grace.
• Offer grace – Mercy isn’t just about withholding judgment; it’s about offering something better in its place—grace. In every interaction, whether it’s with a stranger, a coworker, or a neighbor, we have the opportunity to show kindness and compassion. This could be as simple as offering a listening ear, extending patience in difficult situations, or giving someone the benefit of the doubt.

Mercy in Action: Serving Others

One of the clearest ways to live out loving faithfulness is through acts of service. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we serve others, we are not just meeting their physical needs; we are recognizing their inherent worth as God’s image-bearers. Acts of mercy, whether big or small, have the power to reflect God’s love in a tangible way.

Consider how you might show mercy in your community. It could be through volunteering at a local shelter, providing a meal for a neighbor in need, or simply being present for someone who is going through a tough time. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is an opportunity to live out steadfast love.

The Challenge of Loving Faithfulness

Loving faithfulness isn’t always easy. It requires us to see beyond the surface, to look past someone’s flaws or political views, and to view them as God does—through the lens of mercy. Jesus challenges us to do this in Matthew 7:1-2 when He says, “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.” Our tendency is to categorize people based on their actions, but God calls us to something greater: to see them as His beloved creation.

This doesn’t mean that we ignore sin or wrongdoing, but it does mean that we approach others with the same grace and mercy that God extends to us. As Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If God can extend mercy to us, even in our sin, how much more should we be willing to extend mercy to others?

A Time of Reflection

As we reflect on this call to love faithfulness, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves: Are there people in our lives from whom we have been withholding mercy? Are we willing to separate our need to be right from our responsibility to show compassion? In the midst of political tension, can we extend steadfast love to those who think differently than we do?

May we, as a church, commit to loving faithfulness, trusting that God’s mercy toward us empowers us to show mercy to others.