If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. – Romans 12:18

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread examples of ostracism spread in news accounts online, on social media, and even in person. The “cancel culture” has boycotted or shunned individuals deemed to have acted or spoken in a questionable or controversial manner, or whose beliefs were counter to the viewpoints of those doing the canceling. The Comptroller of the Currency recently reported how some of the largest U.S. banks engaged in debanking Americans between 2020 and 2025, based on customers’ beliefs, affiliations, or political views. Sadly, some people have even been estranged from family members over political or religious ideologies.

God has called believers to live life counter to the popular culture, despite the criticism, censure, or even persecution it may bring. Christ directed His followers to love one another and to bless the lost, not ostracize them. While contemporary society holds grudges, God tells believers to forgive one another (Colossians 3:13). While the current culture encourages rage, God says to let it go (Ephesians 4). While certain groups band together in bitterness and discontent, Scripture tells you to assemble with one another, loving as the Lord loves and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10). The precepts of Christianity are the opposite of the “cancel culture.“ You are called to be counter-cultural! 

Ask the Lord to give you strength and wisdom to enable you to follow the mandate of today’s verse: “As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Pray for those caught up in societal divisions and hostility, especially in the halls of Congress, to be drawn to a new way of life through the loving example of believers around them who live out the truth of God’s Word.