I don’t like that I keep pointing out how our current society and culture is so opposed to these verses from 1 Corinthains 13. But in a nation where “cancel culture” is pretty mainstream, it’s hard not to make that comparison.

I saw cancel culture described as modern day ostracism. But it has come to a point that if anything you say or do is not approved of by others, we don’t just agree to disagree anymore – we banish you. We shame you and so publicly humiliating you that no one would want to be seen associating with you again.

We don’t like someone’s opinion or public stance so we don’t just let bygones be bygones. We have to win. We have to be on top. We have to have all public opinion in our favor.

Christ knew this culture too. He was “cancelled” by the religious leaders of his time to the point that his own friends didn’t want to be associated with him.

This is not anything new to human history. But it is not love.

Love does not put others down in order to keep a higher public status. Love does not discredit, insult, humiliate and shame others for its own gain.

We as Christians have been commanded to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world.” (Romans 12:2) Christ didn’t say it would be easy, but instead He told us:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)

I challenge you to seek to love others more intentionally this week, especially those you disagree with or butt-heads with the most. And if you feel like you are being “cancelled” in today’s world, remember that it just means you do not belong to this world. Seek Christ’s truth and His love in your life above this world’s acceptance.