Dear Friends,
Being born, as we were, just after World War II, we have seen a steady decline in comity in the political arena. If you, like we, are struggling to make sense of all the political bickering, the name-calling, and the violence, and if you are trying to avoid becoming part of the problem, you may want to take a few minutes to reflect on the following verses from Romans 12.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another … Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21
Extremists on both ends of the political spectrum have become unlikely allies as they fight to see which can do a better job of separating us. And we know that Jesus warned, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12:25)
So, how can we keep from becoming what we hate?
We read in 2 Timothy 2:23-24, Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
You may encounter friends, neighbors, or even family members who have taken a stand on a sensitive issue and are ready to fight to prove they are right. Before putting on your verbal boxing gloves, ask yourself, “Is it more important to be “right” or to be “righteous?” Then, meditate on the following Scriptures:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:23
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
We are praying that God will give us the wisdom to choose wisely the information we take in, to choose even more wisely the words we send out, and to always choose to follow the Word of God.
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Prayer of St Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Because He Loves Us Press 