What If We Could Be Agents of Change? It’s easy to feel disheartened by the divisions in our political world. Whether we’re conservative, progressive, or somewhere in between, most of us genuinely believe in our values and want to see our country thrive. But too often, political discussions leave us feeling further apart from one another, even from family members, friends, and neighbors we care deeply about. Yet, I believe we’re called to a higher purpose than merely “winning” for our party. As God’s people, we have the chance—and the responsibility—to seek unity and healing in our communities, even when it seems nearly impossible.

One of the first steps we can take is to look for common ground rather than focusing on what divides us. Most of us want safe communities, good education, economic opportunity, and justice. We want our loved ones to have fulfilling lives and be treated with respect and dignity. Instead of focusing solely on policy disagreements, what if we, as individuals, tried to focus on these shared hopes? In those moments of connection, we could build bridges instead of walls, recognizing that, underneath it all, we have a lot more in common than we may think. When we find common ground, we’re reminded that our political differences don’t define our worth or our connection to one another.

Humility is another key to unity, even though it’s not always easy. I’ll admit it: I’ve had conversations where I was so focused on proving I was right that I stopped listening. But humility invites us to take a step back and remember that none of us has all the answers. If we approach our conversations with others—even those on “the other side” of the political spectrum—with open hearts and a willingness to learn, we can create space for genuine dialogue. Sometimes, simply listening without rushing to respond can change the tone of a conversation and show the other person that we value them. And who knows? In the process, we might see things from a new perspective ourselves.

Another way to build unity is to embrace a spirit of service in our political involvement. Sometimes, politics can feel like a battle for dominance, but what if we approached it as a chance to serve? What if, rather than focusing on “winning” or getting our own way, we focused on the well-being of our communities? When I think about Jesus’ words that “whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant,” I’m reminded that the true purpose of political engagement is to help others—especially the most vulnerable among us. By putting people over politics, we can build trust with those who disagree with us and show them that our ultimate aim is to uplift our communities.

Forgiveness is also essential, both in our personal lives and in our political conversations. Politics can get heated, and it’s easy to feel hurt by things others say or do. But holding onto anger only deepens the divide. The Bible encourages us to “bear with each other and forgive one another.” Forgiving doesn’t mean we ignore past harms, but it does mean letting go of grudges that keep us from moving forward. When we forgive others, we free ourselves from bitterness and make space for understanding and compassion. Imagine if, instead of cutting off relationships over political disagreements, we could find a way to forgive and stay connected, even when it’s hard.

Finally, we can find strength in prayer and reflection. When we take time to pray for wisdom, humility, and understanding, we remind ourselves of the bigger picture. Politics can sometimes feel like everything, but our faith calls us to see beyond this. When we pray for those who hold opposing views, we open ourselves to God’s love for them, even if we struggle to feel it ourselves. Prayer gives us a new lens, helping us see others not as rivals, but as fellow human beings, equally precious to God. In this light, disagreements lose their sharp edge, and we begin to feel a genuine desire for unity.

And in the end, I believe there is joy in coming together. I’ve felt it myself in moments when I was able to reconnect with someone after a difficult conversation or when I found common ground with someone I thought I’d never understand. Imagine the joy we could feel as a nation if, instead of tearing each other down, we came together, united not by party lines, but by our shared humanity and a commitment to work together. We would become a living example of unity and hope, showing the world that even in divided times, God’s people can still stand together. By focusing on our shared values, practicing humility, serving others, forgiving, and seeking guidance, we can help build the unity we long to see. It won’t be easy, but each of us can make a difference, one conversation and one act of kindness at a time. We are all children of God, called not just to advocate for our own beliefs, but to love one another deeply. In doing so, we can transform our political landscape from one of division to one of understanding and peace.