by Pastor David Oyadomari

Question

Reflection

Polarization begins with a mindset: us versus them. When we feel hurt, threatened, or unseen, we naturally start to see others as the problem. We assume that they are the ones who need to change, but the truth is, polarization narrows our view about what really is going on in the world. The “other” becomes an enemy, and whether it’s between friends, families, or nations, this pattern repeats: we defend, accuse, and drift further apart because empathy and love for others fades.

The antidote to healing the divide begins with a shift — from “them” to “us.”
When we remember that we share far more in common than we think, we create space for compassion. This doesn’t mean giving up convictions or pretending differences don’t exist. Contrarily, it means seeing the shared humanity beneath those differences.

In a healthy “middle,” no one gets everything they want, but everyone gets to be heard. From that place of balance and openness, conversation to understand and not just convert becomes possible. We don’t all have to agree with one another, but choosing respect over resentment and judgment leads to depolarization.

As people of faith, we are called to live in ways that elevate community above division, and relationship above being right. The “us” is greater than the “them.” When we practice empathy, listen before judging, and lead with grace, we quietly help repair what’s been torn. Ultimately, our goal is to exhibit grounded behavior, where our actions reflect humility, patience, and peace, even when our opinions differ sharply. Every small act of understanding is a stitch of peace in the fabric of our shared life.

Takeaway

De-polarization begins with how you see others, and when you move from me and them to us, something changes — walls lower, hearts open, and dialogue becomes possible. You may not erase every divide, but we can choose to live as bridge-builders in a world that often prefers walls.
Peace begins not in policy, but in the posture of our hearts.