I’ve never seen anything like this. Could our country be any more polarized than it is right now? Well, yes, but probably only by another Civil War. The disdain and downright hatred that the left seems to have for the right and vice versa is saddening.
Is it even possible for us to get along anymore?
Politically speaking, I don’t understand why so many want Trump to fail right out of the gate. If he fails, the country likely fails with devastating consequences. I do have serious concerns about his faith and his ability to lead. But I pray that he would be a good president, and I think that everyone else should pray the same. I prayed this for former President Obama. I don’t think he succeeded in many areas, especially those related to a conservative evangelical standpoint, because that is who I am. Yet I did and do want for him the same thing I want for myself: to know, love, and serve God better. That’s the same prayer I have for President Trump.
Is it even possible for Christians of both parties to pray in such a way?
So here we are, stuck in a world of political nastiness. Since most of the press leans left, most of the coverage of President Trump is negative. This only fuels the outnumbered right-leaning media to be more combative, and round and round we go! Social media isn’t any better. I’ve had to unfollow friends’ posts because the hatred gets really old. And I dislike the fake news from both sides as much as I do posts about whatever multi-level marketing, life-changing product someone is selling out of their home.
Spiritually speaking, I think the greatest poison in America right now is moral relativism. Without an anchor—the Anchor—to firmly hold society, it can only go south from here. And with there being a decreasing percentage of American Christians, this is inevitable. We are being told to ignore our sincere convictions and accommodate anyone and everyone’s particular moral views, even though they brashly contradict the Bible. It is also sheer lunacy that those who claim to be tolerant are blind to the incredible intolerance they are exhibiting against those who disagree with them. Yet we shouldn’t be surprised when the lost act like they are lost.
Is it even possible to save those who have such animosity toward biblical values?
I should not be offended when non-Christians don’t agree with me. Left to myself, I will eventually offend them. I am a sinner who will consistently let them down. If they are offended at Christ in me, that should be expected as well. Jesus said His message was offensive to non-believers (1 Corinthians 1:18) and people would hate us because of Him (Matthew 10:22). That’s obviously not my goal, to offend and be hated, but it is to be expected. My goal, however, is to win people over with love and then tactful truth as the situation permits.
Is it even possible that I can help win people over to the Lord’s side?
Practically speaking, then, let’s get down to brass tacks. If you are a believer, Romans 12:9–21 is incredibly helpful for navigating waters like these in America today. This passage is a treasure trove of how to behave with other believers and also with non-believers. Allow me to paraphrase from the Joseph Standard Version (JSV).
How to treat other believers:
- Our love must be sincere, and we must also despise all that evil has to offer
- Honor each other and be a devoted friend
- Be passionate as you serve the Lord together
- Exercise joy, patience, and faithfulness with each other
- Share with and be hospitable to Christians in need
How to treat non-believers:
- Bless them, even when they curse you
- Rejoice and mourn as the situations demand
- Try to get along and be humble
- Don’t respond to evil with evil
- Try to live at peace with them if possible
- In His way and in His time God will avenge you if you are wronged
- Do the exact opposite of what your enemy expects by loving and caring for them like crazy
- Evil will be defeated by good
It is possible.
