Image Credits: Prepped In Pearls
In life, and especially in politics, it is all too easy to see those who hold opposing opinions from us as enemies. We see things as Republican vs Democrat, black lives matter vs all lives matter, police vs criminals. For many, there is no gray area. There is only right and wrong. We let these divides consume us, we convince ourselves, “this is war.” We tell those who contradict us that they are uneducated, foolish, and blind. We laugh at their hypocrisy without seeing our own. We point out specks in each other’s eyes. We cast stones. When someone makes a point against ours, or says something we disagree with, often times our reaction is to humiliate them. We’ll quote tweet them with a witty comeback for all of our followers to see. We mock their logic or what we believe to be their lack thereof. Christ calls us to act otherwise.
2 Thessalonians 3:15 reads, “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
How often do we fail to see the humanity in those who we believe are our enemies? When we look across the aisle, do we see our brothers and sisters in Christ, or do we see an opponent? Republican, Democrat, Christian, Muslim, black, or white, we were all created by a perfect and loving God. Despite our differences, we share our beginning. Why is this something we forget?
As a follower of Christ, this is vital to keep in mind with political activism. When you claim there is a “war” between conservatives and liberals, between progressives and traditionalists, you fail to see the person across the aisle who is exactly like you. A sinner fallen from grace and in desperate need of our Father’s redemption. We see our differences as all that we are, even when deep down we know that is not the case. Each of us are as complex as each other. We have experiences that have shaped our lives and what we value. As Christians following God’s word and spreading His love, we cannot allow ourselves to stumble down a path of darkness and hatred. Instead, we must be a light for others. We need to remember to look for the good in people with whom we disagree and remember the humanity in our enemies, pray for our enemies, and find compassion in our hearts. Despite our differences, we are all God’s children.
So how then, should we approach people who disagree with us? Arguments aren’t changing any minds, but by simply listening and explaining, you have the potential to reach someone’s heart. Instead of engaging in heated debates, ask questions, listen attentively to responses (yes, even if it’s not what you want to hear,) and stay calm. Try to understand where your “enemy” is coming from, and explain to them why you value what you do. Show love at all points of discussion, not just when they decide to agree with you. Live your faith in a way that allows people to see its sincerity and makes them want a closer look.
Danielle B
CABINET MEMEBER
Danielle is a conservative political consultant who aides organizations in communicating their big ideas and empowering leaders. She works with a multitude of organizations, most notably including the American Conservation Coalition, OUTSET Network, and Future Female Leaders. Danielle can't explain why she doesn't need feminism, she's too busy succeeding without it. She likes coffee, capitalism, and proving people wrong.
