By Drake Hunter | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The word “amity” might sound like something out of an old-fashioned novel or the name of a charming little town, but it’s far more than that — it’s a transformative treasure we’ve lost in the shuffle of our fast-paced, fragmented lives.
So, what exactly is amity, and why is it important? Simply put, it is the pursuit of friendly relationships and mutual understanding. It’s not just about holding hands and singing songs; it’s about the deep, intentional pursuit of harmony, friendship, goodwill, and affection that creates lasting fulfillment and joy. But here’s the twist: amity is more than just being nice and staying in line with the norm regarding friendships and understanding — it’s a spiritual calling that can transform our lives and the world around us.
A perfect example is Jesus’ mission, which began more than 2,000 years ago. Picture this: a ragtag group of ordinary people on a mountainside, listening to words that would change the course of history. From that humble beginning came God’s Kingdom on earth — a movement built not on animosity or stress but on amity — a profound love that reshaped the world. Jesus, our ultimate guide, exemplified this amity, showing us the way to believe and embrace amity!
Let’s dive deeper into what amity truly means. In the Christian faith, amity reflects Jesus’ teachings and the grassroots movement he established, now understood as God’s Kingdom. He calls His followers to love one another, seek reconciliation, and live in peace.
Scriptures like Romans 12:18 and John 15:12 capture the essence of amity as a divine directive. Amity isn’t passive; it’s an active pursuit of unity, understanding, and selfless love — even in the face of challenges. It’s about embodying Christ’s example and fostering relationships that reflect God’s Kingdom on Earth. This active engagement is essential for true fulfillment, happiness, and success. Without it, we only survive rather than thrive, drifting toward darkness and despair.
The greatest obstacle to amity? Animosity. Animosity is the deep-seated hostility, dislike or even hatred toward someone or something. These feelings often stem from past hurt, resentment or opposition, leading to conflict and broken relationships. In today’s world, animosity is displayed in the daily stress, tensions and misunderstandings. It often arises from feeling overlooked, disrespected or treated as objects. If left unchecked, these emotions can poison our relationships and overall well-being, causing amity to fall and animosity to rage (Genesis 3:1-7).
So, what’s the cure for this sickness of reality and truth? Jesus answered us through His teachings, particularly the Beatitudes and the radical love He modeled. In essence, Jesus told us if we want to live in amity, we must navigate our emotions with the love of the Father. Whether anger, hurt or disappointment, managing these emotions with God’s love enables us to restore and sustain friendship, harmony, goodwill, unity and, ultimately, the amity that mirrors His Kingdom (Matt 5:21-25).
Now, it’s time to Just Believe – Embracing Amity! Embrace this call to love and seek reconciliation in every relationship. Ask God to help you overcome animosity and replace it with His peace, understanding and unity. Let’s step together — today — toward building a world that reflects His Kingdom, where amity flourishes and animosity is cast aside because we just believe in the power of embracing amity.
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