Surviving Your Relationships During the Election

When I was in college and on break for Thanksgiving vacation, my very loud and opinionated family started discussing politics.

We all know the rule — stay away from politics during a holiday gathering. Well, we didn't and two of my uncles had me in tears as we discussed the results of a presidential election. The conversation was quite contentious. I found it quite disturbing as I was raised in a Christian family. I had never seen family members go after each other in this way.

Politics seems to bring out the worse in us. And I believe that social media and traditional broadcast have inflamed the process.  

Christians have done their share of voicing strong opinions and joining in on social media in not so admirable ways. Shouldn't we be held to a higher standard in terms of what we say, how we say it, and how we respond to our friends, family, and fellow churchgoers?

In 1 Peter 2:12, Peter says to the suffering church, "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

So yes, it bothers me when I hear fellow believers talking in mean-spirited ways about the opposing candidate. It's one thing to disagree with their policies, comment on character issues, stand up for your beliefs, but let's not be guilty of being less than honorable. The name-calling, vilification, angry speech needs to stop. Even in the face of such distress, let's keep our loyalty to Christ, who loved his enemies and asks us to do the same.

Get out there and vote. Whether or not your candidate wins or loses, remember, none of this will be a surprise to God. There is no panic going on in Heaven. Prayer is our response. And self-control is a fruit of the spirit.

Our hope is not in who occupies a political office. Yes, it is important and our future is impacted by the policies and actions our goverment officials take. But our hope is in Christ and the transforming power of the Gospel to change people. So, don't be discouraged or dismayed.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)