Let me share this truth straight away: Love changes everything. Not the watered-down, wishy-washy kind of love, but the kind Jesus modeled—bold, truth-filled, uncompromising, yet radically compassionate. Today, Let’s get into the subject of Navigating the Cultural Current… without drowning out your convictions.
The Heart Check
When your church takes a stand on something, do people walk away feeling the love of Jesus, or do they just know what you’re against?
It’s the difference between putting up a “No” sign and offering a “Here’s how we can help” hand.
Standing Firm in Love
You know what’s wild? Jesus never backed down from truth, but He also never used truth as a weapon. He used it as a lifeline, offered with hands scarred by love. That’s our model, church.
1. Uncompromising ≠ Unkind
Listen, we can hold biblical truth with conviction AND conversation. When our church took a stand on a controversial issue last year, we did it by:
- Opening our doors wider, not closing them
- Increasing conversation, not shutting it down
- Leading with “here’s what we’re for” instead of just what we’re against
2. The Power of “And”
You see, we can be:
- Biblically faithful AND culturally engaged
- Unwavering in truth AND overflowing with grace
- Clear in our convictions AND compassionate in our approach
The Jesus Way
Think about it – Jesus was the most uncompromising person ever to walk the earth, yet sinners couldn’t get enough of Him. Why? Because they felt His love before they heard His truth.
Practical Love in Action
Here’s how we’re trying to live this out:
- Every theological position is paired with tangible love action
- When we say “we believe X,” we follow it with “so we serve Y”
- Our statements of faith are backed by acts of faith
The Power Play
Here’s what happens when love leads:
- Our convictions become invitations, not just declarations
- Our boundaries create belonging, not just barriers
- Our truth-telling becomes life-giving, not just position-stating
Your Move:
LeaderThis week:
- Before making any cultural statement, filter it through love
- Ask: “How can we show love while standing firm?”
- Look for ways to demonstrate grace without compromising truth
The Bottom Line
We don’t have to choose between loving people and loving truth. Jesus never did. He elevated both, and so can we.
Here’s your permission slip to be:
- Unapologetically biblical
- Uncompromisingly truthful
- Unconditionally loving
- Unexpectedly gracious
Because when love is our motivation, we can stand firm without pushing people away.
Let’s be leaders who are known as much for what we love as what we believe.
Link to Jeff’s latest book:
