In a world where political and cultural tensions rise quickly, even simple differences can be met with strong reactions. Many believers have experienced rejection, criticism, or misunderstanding — not because of their actions, but because of what others assume about their beliefs. When we face discrimination rooted in bias or fear, the question becomes: How do we respond in a way that honors Christ?

Jesus never promised us approval from the world. In fact, He said:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” — John 15:18

Our natural instinct in the face of injustice might be anger or defensiveness, but Scripture calls us to a different posture:

• Respond without revenge

  • Romans 12:17 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.”

• Speak truth with grace

  • Ephesians 4:15 “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ”

• Bless those who mistreat us

  • Luke 6:28, “bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”

Choosing Christlike composure does not mean agreeing with wrongdoing or remaining silent about harmful bias. It means standing firm in identity and integrity — without allowing bitterness to take root.

When we face discrimination because of our faith or values:

✅ We can respond with clarity
✅ We can maintain compassion
✅ We can trust God to defend our reputation

God sees every injustice. He vindicates the faithful. When we keep a pure heart and refuse to compromise on truth or love, we reflect Jesus — even to those who oppose us.

Exodus 14:14  “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold[a] your peace.”

Let us be faithful not only in what we believe but in how we respond when those beliefs are challenged. May our words be seasoned with grace, our actions anchored in righteousness, and our confidence rooted not in human approval but in the unshakable favor of God.

When rejection comes because of Christ — it’s not a setback.
It’s confirmation that we are living boldly for Him.

Disagreement is not new — but today, the intensity of division can feel overwhelming. People increasingly define others by a single belief, a single vote, a single image, or a single moment. But as followers of Christ, we know that every person is a masterpiece in progress.

Resilience is not simply enduring criticism or conflict.
Resilience is choosing courage and compassion when it would be easier to shut down or lash out.

The Bible reminds us:

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8

Resilience is built when:

• We allow differences to sharpen us, not shatter us
  
  

• We listen with curiosity, not condemnation
  
  

• We engage with conviction and humility
  
  

Christ showed us how to love people who misunderstood Him, opposed Him, even betrayed Him. Our goal is not to win arguments — it is to win hearts. When we face disagreement:

✔ We stay rooted in Scripture
✔ We guard our peace
✔ We remain open to relationship

Resilience gives us the confidence to say:

“We may not see eye to eye, but I will still treat you with the dignity God gave you.”

The world needs believers who do not crumble under pressure, who uphold truth without hostility, and who remain steadfast in love even when others do not.

May we be people who:
🌱 Grow through conflict
🔥 Shine in the midst of opposition
❤️ Love when it is least expected

This is how the Church becomes a refuge — not by eliminating disagreement, but by modeling a better way through it.

As the year 2020 comes to a close, most are happy to bid adieu to a very memorable year. 2020 was a difficult year for most people. The year was laden with stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, sickness, and grief.  A new beast hit the mental health arena, Covid Stress Syndrome. Not only the country, but the entire world was traumatized by a virus requiring social distancing, quarantining, and excessive cleaning. Many individuals lost several family members. People hid in their homes to avoid possible exposure to this invisible threat. It seemed like overnight the streets were abandoned like one of those zombie movies. Driving to work during the stay at home orders felt like at any moment some unseen menace would attack my vehicle if I dared slow down.

As if that were not enough, social injustice, protesting, riots breaking out in the streets became the next chapter in the story of 2020. The incidents that spurred these events were unconscionable. The anger was justified but the actions were devastating. Watching people burn businesses and police cars, looting stores, and becoming violent was heartbreaking.

Yet we trudged on. Through mistrust of our governing authority, a deadly virus, school closures, businesses closing, unemployment exploding into numbers not seen since the Great Depression we persevered. After all the tragedy of 2020, murder hornets and zombie fires barely register a reaction. Many days the act of putting one foot in front of the other was a challenge.

It is expected that general mental health would be significantly impacted.  Humans were created to be interdependent on one another. In the beginning God sought a suitable helper for Adam. None were found among the animals so God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam. God opened Adam’s side and removed a rib, fashioning woman out of the wound of man. Adam was incomplete without another by his side. Once it was considered polite to shake someone’s hand when greeting them, now it is considered rude to expect someone to shake hands. Once, not long ago, it was acceptable to hug friends and family. Now many shy away from physical contact. Those that live with family are able to maintain more physical contact with others but even those individuals can often become very isolated without outside contact.

HOPE LIES ON THE HORIZON!!!!

There are many things that one can do to manage the emotional turmoil of 2020. Coping skills can help manage the stress and anxiety. Let’s look forward to 2021 with hope and maybe even a sigh of relief that it appears the worst is over now. Below are 5 strategies to manage the emotional toll the past year has taken and move forward into 2021 renewed and empowered.

1. Change your focus!

It is so much easier to focus on all of the negative things that happen in the world. Often it takes work to focus on positive things. When loved ones are lost or it is getting harder to put food on the table, positivity does not seem like it is possible.  Does the focus change the situation? Not usually. Changing the focus changes how YOU feel about the situation.  For example, one thought process says, “I had to spend all day at the food bank to get food to feed my kids.” Another thought process says, “I had an opportunity to get food for my kids so they will not go to bed hungry.” Does God care about our focus? ABSOLUTELY!

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

God has given us a blue print to stave off negativity. Why is it so important to change your perspective? Because the beginning of stress, depression, and most anxiety is a negative perspective. Can YOU control the thoughts that you struggle with? Again, ABSOLUTELY!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)

 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

The weapons of our warfare can pull down all the strongholds that bind you to depression, that bind you to anxiety, that bind you to stress. The weapons of our warfare cast down all of the arguments that seek to convince you that everything is wrong and that the whole world has gone crazy. YOU can bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2. Fuel your body

Proper nutrition is essential in maintaining good mental health. God’s Word addresses the concept that we are permitted to do many things but not all things will be beneficial. The idea is to not be brought under the power of any type of food or drink. Controlling eating habits can boost mood as well as metabolism. Making healthy choices can also lead to a healthy body image and improved self-esteem.

1 Corinthians 6:12-13 (NKJV)

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

3. Get moving

Along with properly fueling our body, we need to move that same body to keep it healthy and functioning properly. Exercise releases endorphins that increase one’s positive mood. Healthy eating habits coupled with physical activity can work together to create a healthy physical and mental lifestyle. In eating well and engaging in physical activity, it is an act of love toward yourself. You take care of the things that you love, so take care of yourself!

Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

4. Feed your soul

The body is part of the equation but feeding your soul is essential. Romans 12:2 above says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” It is important to renew your mind through spending time with the creator of the universe by reading His word.

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV)

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Word of God is profitable to equip the worker for every good work. Not just some good works.

How can one cleanse his way, by taking heed according to the Word of God!

Psalms 119:9-12 (NKJV)

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.  With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.  Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.

5. Be thankful

It is really difficult to be negative, depressed, stressed, anxious, or emotionally unsteady when you are caught up in giving thanks.

Do you have breath in your lungs? Be thankful.

Can you read? (If you are reading this then the answer is yes!) Be thankful.

Do you have people in your life that you love and that love you? Be thankful.

In the hard times, in the stress and struggle, in the fear and the unknown, take time to be thankful. Create a list of things that you are thankful for and then break down that list. For example, listing “I am thankful for food to eat” then break that down. “I am thankful for the ability to prepare meals for my family. I am thankful for the grocery store workers that risked their health to ensure that I could buy food for my family. I am thankful for the soil that produces the vegetables that I serve to my family. I am thankful for the farmer that worked the land to produce this meal. Etc.”

In everything, there is cause to give thanks. In those dark moments, and there may be more to come in 2021 and beyond, thankfulness gives you power over the negativity that will festers and grows until it becomes depression, stress, etc.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Let us look forward to the new year with its blessings and challenges. We can boldly step in utmost confidence towards 2021 and breakthrough the chains of 2020 emerging victorious in Christ.