John Steinbeck once wrote, “Try to understand men. If you understand each other, you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and almost always leads to love.”

Has this pandemic and the current issues within our country united or divided us? Over the last 6 months, this quote has resonated with me as we are all navigating through unchartered waters and unsettling times. This complex and multi-faceted situation is new territory for us all. Our daily interactions with each other has us pledging our allegiance to one side or the other on frequently debated topics. We often characterize and scrutinize the ideologies of others when they do not necessarily align with ours. As a nation and people of faith we can do better.

The emotions experienced throughout this pandemic have been numerous. Feelings of frustration and anger. Depression, worry, and anxiety to name…