KNOWN BY OUR LOVE

Adding to the disgruntled voices of division may seem like venting and voicing an opinion but it reveals immaturity and lack of relational and communal wisdom. Spouting accusations and adopting the i-told-you-so posture never helps a relationship move forward. If the goal is to bring in the best, to work for the best, and build the best we possibly can of our nation and communities, lashing out in anger through physical violence, verbal accusations, name calling, making assumptions about the motives of those who see things differently will never, ever foster growth and learning. It will only cause further division and have an adverse effect in redeeming broken communication lines.

I’m shocked at the level of bitterness being manifest under the guise of political dissent. We need to learn to deal with our personal hurts and issues so that when societal issues arise we’re not emotionally reacting and adding fuel to fires of dissent. Let’s grow up and ask the question, what will benefit this situation best? Why am I so personally stirred up to bitterness, hatred and rage? That personal struggle is not about what’s going on around you. It’s about what’s going on in you. When we’re healed of personal wounds, we become genuine agents of positive change and voices of wisdom and peace. And we can see people who disagree with us as valuable and worthy without engaging in character assassination and partnering with the spirit of accusation.

If we claim to be Christians, let’s take to heart that Jesus said we would be known by our love. Not common doctrines or political ideologies or economic interests. We are to be known by our love. Let’s at least start loving one another during times of conflict by treating each other with respect. And let’s let go of spouting off divisive and accusing rhetoric. We have a Kingdom to establish that will reach far beyond any presidential administration. And we have to be smart enough to rise above the world and its’ political fray. Let’s learn how to love even when we disagree.