Abortion Debate As A Model For Seeking Common Ground

It may seem strange for those of us who are pro-life to find a proposed federal law with measures worthy of support, but it appears at first blush that we have just that in the new Ryan-DeLauro bill that is currently circulating and seeking support. Look over the TIME report:

Abortion: Can A New Bill End Decades of Post-Roe Conflict? - TIME

So often in our congregations I have seen groups opposed to one another over this or some other issue. The conflict grows and at times threatens to divide the congregation entirely, even though everyone espouses basic Christian doctrines and believes in the Gospel.

Many other conflicts come about from staffing issues. A pastor or teacher or director of Christian education has caused offense in one way or another. One group believes he or she was correct in taking a stand and another jumps to the defense of the injured party. None of the parties talk to one another. People begin to leave the church because they don't want to be involved in such thorny things.

How does one start? In such times is it not possible to review again those areas in which we have common agreement? What is our common ground? Once discovered, there are usually ways to build upon this ground toward a place where all can find a way to move forward toward reconciliation.

The Apostle Peter gives us some directions in this regard as he writes:

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

For,"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (Psalm 34:12-16).

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1Peter 3:8-17)