We are entering a time of political engagement. The candidates in both parties are all but secured. This means that those on both sides are starting to ramp up their rhetoric with the hopes of winning the White House and the power that comes with it.
What I always find interesting in this time of life is watching how Christians engage in the conversation. There tends to be some different responses. One is to ignore it all, to simply pretend that it isn't there. A second, is to be snarky, mean, and condescending (it doesn't matter if one is a D or an R).
It's my hope that my brothers and sisters will find a third way. This is the way of kindness. This means that we are to speak truth lovingly. It means that we must realize that the world within which we live is broken, nuanced, and messy. Your party's candidate does not have all the answers and is not perfect. This also means that the other party's candidat is not evil, all bad, or always wrong.
The world we live in is not perfect. The people who hold office should have our respect. Those running for office should have it also. They are stepping into a process that is heartless and cruel. These men and women have their goods and their bads. Your preference does not make them God's choice. Your preference can not be supported by scripture.
Your preference is yours. You are not God. Therefore, you have a responsibiliy to speak into the preference with loving truth by calling both sides of the debate to the biblical ground. You have a responsibility to not see one or the other with rose colored glasses.
You have a responsibility to understand that neither party's candidate is Jesus. You have a responsibility to understand that neither party's candidate is satan.
Friends, if you say you follow Jesus then follow his lead. Jesus would not be a D or an R. Jesus is not red or blue. Jesus takes the brokenness that is before and redeems it for the glory of the Father. That means you have to pray, think, and engage with loving truthfulness.
This means no more silly pictures about the president or candidates you disagree or agree with. This means engaging with ideas and issues. This means no more personal attacks.
Realize people are watching. The question is, "Who are they seeing?"
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