PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS TOWARDS HEALING THE DIVIDE IN OUR COUNTRY
We live in very polarizing times. Division infiltrates every layer of our society, separating even close friends and family members. Today we battle over government spending, taxes, the environment, immigration, foreign policy, constitutional issues, culture, character, and a lot more. What used to be seen as a tolerable set of policy differences has become profoundly personal.
We need to remember what Jesus said about a nation divided in Matthew 12:25: “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.” So, what can a Christian do to just begin to make a positive difference in our country.
We can begin by regularly praying for our leaders and for our country. Paul exhorts us in I Timothy 2:1-4: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Every time there is a divisive issue or event, we can ask the Holy Spirit to prompt us to pray for those involved, to pray for greater unity, and to pray for God’s will to be accomplished through these people and through these situations. Through prayer, we can tap into God’s wisdom, strength, protection, and peace.
In an election year, choosing love feels extra challenging when your environment often pushes you to pick one side and reject the other. How can we keep choosing to love rather than burying our heads in the sand until November 5?
God’s word gives us help: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). “Love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return” (Luke 6:35). When we pray for our enemies and look for ways to bless them, we demonstrate to a divided nation the difference that Jesus Christ makes.
Ephesians 4:15 commands us to speak the truth in love. Sometimes we need to stand up and stand against hateful speech in our own party. We should avoid jokes and memes that employ violent or dehumanizing rhetoric. We can encourage others in our party to remove hateful messages and refuse to forward polarizing speech and memes. We can avoid repeating misinformation and even debunking false information.
As we pray for America, we are reminded that according to our pledge of allegiance, we are “one nation under God,” and our currency still acknowledges that it is “in God we trust.”
Imagine how different our lives would be if we loved each other like Jesus loves us. It’s not always easy to love our own family and friends, let alone people who seem to insult us or our beliefs. However, God stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in our life and in the affairs of men.
