Addiction

It seems that this election season, our nation has an addiction to the division and drama between the two parties. It is sad to see this country torn apart because of the different opinions.

Our pastor gave a wonderful message today in church. It was not meant to support either the blue or red. In fact, he did not speak either candidate's name or any platforms they support. He spoke about Paul's message on politics throughout the Bible. He talked about Paul's fear that politics would divide the church.

It seems that is where we are today. Instead of showing love to both sides, we are supporting one while beating down the other. Why do we feel that we can't choose one candidate without putting down the other? Why do we immediately judge those that don't agree with our opinions? I am as guilty of this as the next person.

So, our pastor asked us to be a Christian witness throughout this election process by being different. He asked us to pray and make an informed decision on who we decided to support. He asked that when we get into a debate about politics, that we show love and respect for both candidates and those we enter into debate with. He asked us to pray about our responses to views that differ from our own. And above all, love and respect those with views contrary to our own. In this way, we can make a difference. In this way, we might change the current addiction to the derision that is prevalent throughout the United States.

This message really spoke to me, and it reminded me that Republican or Democrat, we can come together in support of our next nation's leader. Republican or Democrat, we can make a difference. We can feed the hungry. We can heal the sick. We can shelter the poor. We can love our neighbor as ourselves... Whether they agree with our political views or not.