Respond in love to division, not in anger

Anger. Distrust. Violence. Cancel culture. Everywhere we turn, we find divisiveness—on the street, in the halls of government, at workplaces, even among family members. As Catholics and Legates, how do we respond?

First, a confession. 2020–21 has been a struggle for me. As a lawyer who protects life, preserves free speech, and defends religious liberty, I find these times troubling. It is easy to get angry and to disparage government officials and others who restrict Mass attendance, incite the taking of innocent life, and push policies that are antithetical to Church teachings. Vilifying others, however, doesn’t solve any problems. It only creates a new one: it jeopardizes our salvation.

Fortunately, I have a loving wife who continually encourages me to chart a different course. Courtesy of her, there sits next to my laptop a memento bearing the text of Leviticus 19:17- 18, reminding me: “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

This admonition is not merely an Old Testament principle. Jesus taught a radical love, one that did not falter over political animosity or even torment. He specifically admonished, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:44).

So how do we do that without abandoning our principles? Here are seven practical suggestions:

1. Pray. Often. Start by acknowledging your feelings. God understands when we’re frustrated, hurt, and angry. Tell Him about it. He can take it.

2. Pray specifically for those you find challenging to love. It may be a politician, a business associate, or a relative. When you pray, ask God to transform that person’s heart and to give what is best for them. Willing the good of the other is the very definition of love.

3. Spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ask God for help in letting go of hatred and grudges.

4. Turn off the news and social media. Although it’s my job to know what attack on our faith is coming next, I’ve resolved to turn off sources that do not inform but only inflame. Sometimes, that may even include those who share my views and beliefs. It’s not worth getting angry.

5. Remember that no one said being a Christian witness would be easy. In fact, Jesus promised the exact opposite: “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19).

6. Stay strong. We must continue to devote our time, talent, and treasure to preserving religious liberty, defending the unborn, and upholding the Church’s teachings on marriage and human sexuality. But when we see allies disparage others, we must also turn them back to God. We are called to be a light in this darkness.

7. Encourage your employees and family members to truly get to know one another. Behind that façade of political animosity is often a well of pain and hurt. It’s hard to be angry when we understand that.

These steps are a personal challenge for me. It’s hard to love those who persecute you! The good news is that we all walk this difficult journey with God and other Legates. And when we strive to calm our anger and forsake our wrath, Psalm 37 promises us “abundant peace.”

JOHN BURSCH owns Bursch Law PLLC and serves as vice president of appellate advocacy at Alliance Defending Freedom. He has argued 12 cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and frequently represents companies and business owners exercising their religious faith in the public square. He is a past president and current member of the Legatus Grand Rapids Chapter.