Reconciling with Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Anatomy of the Church and State
A Call to Unity Amid Division
In a world where political tensions run high and divisions seem to deepen by the day, the timeless wisdom of Scripture reminds us of a profound truth: reconciliation isn't optional for those who follow Christ, it's a command from Jesus. Drawing from my recent video, "Unpacking the Real Crisis in Conservatism Today," I want to dive deeper into this theme.
As we navigate these turbulent times, let's reflect on what it means to live out the command to leave our gift at the altar and first go be reconciled with our brother or sister. This principle is especially urgent today, as the conservative movement faces dual threats: escalating external violence and corrosive internal infighting among Christian voices.
The Biblical Foundation for Reconciliation
Scripture is unequivocal: our vertical relationship with God is tied to our horizontal relationships with others. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25). Worship and service lose their meaning if we're nursing grudges or fueling conflicts with fellow believers. This call to unity demands humility, acknowledging that differing views may hold truth, but escalating vitriol on social media only weakens our shared mission.
Consider the current landscape in conservatism. The assassination of Charlie Kirk in late 2025 ignited not just a surge in external attacks but a whirlwind of internal accusations. Prominent figures like Candace Owens have clashed with organizations such as TPUSA over alleged cover-ups and personal slights, while Milo Yiannopoulos has spread conspiracy theories about Charlie's death, including unfounded claims that it was faked or involved hidden scandals. Tucker Carlson's interview with controversial individuals like Nick Fuentes has further fueled debates, with critics arguing it lent undue legitimacy to harmful ideas. These disputes, played out very publicly, erode trust and distract from the real battles. At the root? A drift from Christ as the center. Conservatism without Him is like a tripod with uneven legs, it wobbles and falls. Charlie himself exemplified centering everything on Jesus, the glue that holds us together.
Reconciliation begins with leaving your sacrifice at the altar and to go be reconciled (Matthew 5:23-24), and if your brother or sister has sinned against you,go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone (Matthew 18:15). It’s always good to seek private resolution before going public.
The Cost of Unresolved Division
Unaddressed conflicts don't just splinter movements; they steal the joy that's meant to sustain us. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Amid rising threats; threats to Benny Johnson's family, shots fired at Tim Pool's home, assaults on Matt Walsh and everyday conservatives at events, the absence of joy in our discourse signals a deeper spiritual crisis. Political violence against the right has spiked by 20%, while left-wing aggression surges, making even simple acts of faith feel perilous.
Yet, Scripture calls us to rejoice: "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). "Count it all joy... when you meet trials" (James 1:2). In God's presence, there's "fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11), and the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, and more (Galatians 5:22-23). When we let division crush our spirits, we forfeit this divine strength. Instead, unity through reconciliation disarms the enemy, turning persecution into an opportunity for hope: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing" (Romans 15:13).
Practical Steps Toward Reconciliation
How do we bridge these divides? Here are actionable ways you and I can help to foster healing:
- Pursue Private Dialogue: Reach out directly to resolve misunderstandings, honoring the process in Scripture before amplifying issues online.
- Embrace Repentance and Grace: Admit faults, forgive as Christ forgave us, and extend kindness. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12).
- Center on Christ: Make Jesus the foundation of every effort. Without Him, unity is superficial; with Him, even deep rifts can heal.
- Forgive one another: If you don’t, neither will Christ forgive you (Mark 11:26).
These steps aren't just for high-profile feuds, they apply to family tensions, church disagreements, or workplace strife. By reconciling, we strengthen our witness and stand firm against threats that could make practicing faith illegal.
A Final Prayer for Unity
Lord, guide us to reconcile as brothers and sisters in Christ. Fill us with Your joy and peace, that we might unite for Your glory. May we abound in hope through the Holy Spirit, rebuilding what division has torn. Amen.
What steps will you take toward reconciliation today? Share in the comments—let's encourage one another.