While walking, I noticed Neighbor A had posted some political signs in their yard. The next day, I noticed that Neighbor B (who lived next to Neighbor A) had placed a political sign just inches away from Neighbor A’s sign, somewhat blocking it. As I walked by, I could feel the tension between these two houses. Neighbor A and Neighbor B had different political viewpoints. The next day, there was a rant on a neighborhood app to “share” one side of the tension between these two houses. This story seems to be a small microcosm of what’s happening around us
Perhaps the story of the “Dueling Signs” resonates with you? Haven’t you felt the tension of the political landscape escalating as we get closer to the election? We would like to turn a blind eye and act like it’s not going on, but it is. How do we navigate this tense season with a spirit of love and kindness toward one another?
The Bible tells us in Mark 12:31 “And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.” So, does that mean we’re to love our conservative neighbor as ourselves? So, does that mean we’re to love our liberal neighbor as ourselves? Perhaps one of these questions gives you a bit of a nervous cringe effect.
In this season of political divide, we each have an opportunity to set an example of unity, respect, and love. If we know Christ, we have the Holy Spirit in us, and He will give us the ability to show a different way. Our theme verse in the YMCA worldwide is John 17:21 “That they may be all one…that the world may believe.” If we allow politics to divide and distract us with conflict, we miss the unity Jesus prays for. We miss glorifying God in our words and actions.
God calls us to Christian unity, but we must remember that doesn’t mean uniformity. We can and will always still disagree on many things. Yet, loving as Christ loves should transcend our disagreements. But couldn’t we disagree with love and respect? Could we stop the derogatory comments that spiral towards more negativity? Couldn’t we spend more time praying for our country and the election and praying for both candidates than worrying about the election? Could we seek to understand where others are coming from rather than cutting down their opinion and canceling them? Could we stop making snap judgments about people and realize that they’re beautiful people made in the image of God, no matter what their political views? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have loving others be more important than being right politically?
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
“Let love be your highest goal!” 1 Corinthians 14:1
The Bible tells us in Mark 12:31 “And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.” So, does that mean we’re to love our conservative neighbor as ourselves? So, does that mean we’re to love our liberal neighbor as ourselves? Perhaps one of these questions gives you a bit of a nervous cringe effect.
In this season of political divide, we each have an opportunity to set an example of unity, respect, and love. If we know Christ, we have the Holy Spirit in us, and He will give us the ability to show a different way. Our theme verse in the YMCA worldwide is John 17:21 “That they may be all one…that the world may believe.” If we allow politics to divide and distract us with conflict, we miss the unity Jesus prays for. We miss glorifying God in our words and actions.
God calls us to Christian unity, but we must remember that doesn’t mean uniformity. We can and will always still disagree on many things. Yet, loving as Christ loves should transcend our disagreements. But couldn’t we disagree with love and respect? Could we stop the derogatory comments that spiral towards more negativity? Couldn’t we spend more time praying for our country and the election and praying for both candidates than worrying about the election? Could we seek to understand where others are coming from rather than cutting down their opinion and canceling them? Could we stop making snap judgments about people and realize that they’re beautiful people made in the image of God, no matter what their political views? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have loving others be more important than being right politically?
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
“Let love be your highest goal!” 1 Corinthians 14:1
Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAFMGRMhFsM
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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