Wednesday, June 28th, 2017

After the Senate decided to push the vote until after the July 4th recess, the debate over healthcare appears to be extending. What that likely means is that our TVs, radios, newspapers, and social media will continue to be a frenzy of healthcare related stories, one-liners, memes, and other political commentary for the foreseeable future. With such an important issue, devoting proper care and diligence is crucial, so taking our time is not a bad thing. However, what is a bad thing is clashing with our brothers and sisters of God on a personal level over political opinions or becoming cynical over the process itself. We were all taught as children Jesus’s second greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” For many, that golden rule has been so ingrained in our psyche that for some, it has lost some of its impact. Consider for a moment how it would feel if you were attacked on a personal level, with insults about your appearance or identity, or if you were forbidden from speaking or participating in the national conversation simply because of your stance on an issue. Such has been the experience of many from all areas of the political spectrum, both in public and in the media, as well as in private conversations at work, home, or amongst friends. We are all free in Christ, and those who place their hope and faith in Jesus find understanding and truth in Him. One way we practice our faith in He who greater than us is to love one another as we wish to be loved. Be the person today who extends grace and love to those with different opinions than yours.

"the second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.” -- Mark 12:31 NIV