Thursday, June 28th, 2018

The civility with which our nation debates politics has degraded in recent years and at this moment seems to be teetering on the edge of a stark precipice. When we hear of certain people on the other side of the political aisle saying doing things we don’t like, it is easy to project those things upon everyone of that party. Worse, it is easy to write those people off as not worthy of the same respect, freedom of thought, and dignity that we each enjoy. We all know at least one person who has different views on politics than us but that we still love, respect, and enjoy being with. What is stopping us from feeling the same about others who share that person’s opinion? The answer, sadly, is nothing but our own prejudices and sheer unwillingness to forgive and be kind. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” The world is a better place when people have different opinions on politics but agree on the righteousness and love of Christ. Today, lay down your anger and disdain for those who think differently than you and rely on Christ’s example for how to forgive and be kind to them.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV