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Getting Along
Well, the voting is over, but the election drags on, and according to some, may for a few days as the ballots are counted. I'm not a FOX News nut, but it happened to be the one I turned on this morning when I got up to see if a decision had been made, and I left it on while I got ready for work. During one of the interviews, something was said that I wanted to pass along in my encouragement today.
The interviewer was speaking to a Democrat spokesperson (I think) when they asked the question, which was something along these lines but not word for word...."we just didn't see the huge blue wave that Democrats had anticipated, in fact, several places where we saw Democrats win in the mid terms to flip the House, we saw just the opposite yesterday. Almost exactly 1/2 of this nation is Republican as evidenced by the tight Presidential race and several of these House seats being flipped back red. Do you think at some point, the Democrats are going to wake up and say 'hey, we've got to find a way to talk to the other side'"?
It was the answer I loved, from a female Democrat that I have no idea who she was, but her answer was, "I think both sides are going to have to start talking to each other if we are ever going to move on and get along again". A Republican mouthpiece could have said the same thing and it would have been just as true.
There are about 100 Bible verses that you could apply in some way to people getting along. Some were written about people in general, and many of them were written in fact to Christians about loving other Christians, something we ought not to have to be schooled in, but would they not also be helpful in any interactions between Christians and non-Christians?
Romans 12:18 is to all of us about all of us, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Hebrews 12:14 says, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." Philippians 2:4, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Matthew 7:12, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them,...". 1 Thess 5:15, "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone."
This may just be my humble opinion for what it's worth, but it seems to me like when you discuss society in general, both sides would like to get along, but only if the other side makes the first and in many instances all of the concession(s). They are not willing to budge on their own stance. Now, when it comes to Biblical principles and doctrine, there is no room to give and take, what God commands, God commands and we are not at liberty to negotiate those things. But on the miriade of things worldly, are we too proud to do our part to try and get along as long as it does not put us at odds with God?
It would not require in every instance people changing their firm opinions or long held beliefs, but just being willing to love and get along with those that disagree with them! Is agreeing to disagree beyond our ability anymore? When I look at the problem, again just my personal opinion, I see people who seem to have become too proud to accept anybody who has a different opinion. "Either you agree with me or you are my enemy" seems to be their stance. Why does it need to be that way? Simplified, can your favorite color not be blue and mine red and us still get along? Why do controversial things in our society reach such drastic levels in our hearts that they keep us from being peaceable and cordial in a social way? Why do these often turn into sharp disagreements, shouting, cursing, and even physical violence?
You know for the Christian, the Word of our Lord answers life's questions for us, and we have our views on both worldly and spiritual things because of our knowledge of scripture and our love for the Lord. Jesus didn't treat the sinners and non-believers like we see some treating others in our world. He was kind, loving, and caring. He met them where they were and tried to show them the right way of truth, but while on this earth, He never harmed them or attacked them or cursed at them when they refused to listen. Instead He loved them, treated them well and prayed for them.
I agree with the young lady's answer on FOX. It is time for all of us to learn to play together again in the same sandbox. Regardless of who winds up being president as this all unfolds over the next few hours and maybe days, let us work on our attitude towards the "other side", and let us be willing to be tenderhearted, forgiving, loving and caring toward them in hopes that they might be willing to do the same.
Jesus taught us, "...Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;..." (Matt 5:44) Let us make praying for our enemies a huge thing that we do, something they will never even know we are doing for their good, and in that, pray that we will likewise practice Godly love towards them.
