I read a frustrated person's question this morning. The topic was a common topic these days: the Arizona shooting and the question of civility in politics. I have heard questions like this one before, and decided that I'd best address it. The question is basically, "How are we supposed to love someone like Nancy Pelosi or Barack Obama?"
It would be all too easy to do as the rest of the world, most of which would excuse someone for hating the person who already shows unreserved hatred for you. That is because of the "Golden Rule", a twisted and misunderstood belief that "treat others as you would like to be treated" means that harsh treatment of others can be justified by their actions towards you. In today's bizarre morality, you are vindicated for being a jerk to a jerk.
God, however, asks for something grander and deeper. He asks for us to treat others as you would like to be treated, regardless of the way they treat you. He wants us to learn to love our enemy and do good to those who hate us. What does that mean for us today? Some say that we cannot say anything unkind or express any dissatisfaction with those with whom we disagree. Yesterday, on a popular radio show, the host was told that he was not being Christlike when he railed against the actions of Obama or Pelosi. However, Jesus referred to the Pharisees as "whitewashed graves" and "brood of vipers". What does this mean?
Jesus has always had a heart for the lost sinner. During His time on this earth, He was not ashamed to pardon tax collectors and prostitutes. He raised up the fallen, gave rest to the weary, and was gentle to the humble. However, He reserved some pretty choice words for the religious/political leaders who were leading His people astray. Given that, it is hard to believe that Jesus would never have us speak out against oppression, evil, and sin.
So what does it mean to love someone to whom you are politically opposed?
The next time you start to rail against Obama or Pelosi, keep track of your language and what you say. Are you wishing them harm, directly? Or are you wishing for an end to their harmful actions towards you? Are you mocking them to tear them down, or are you hoping that they will listen and turn? What are your motives? It is all too easy to turn human men and women into demons in your own mind. The best of us have a bit of the Devil in them, and the worst of us have a bit of God in them.
I wrote a post earlier this month doubting Obama's Christianity. Nobody could say that I am sweet and easy on him or Pelosi, whom I have accused of terrible ills. However, I can say truly that I would not wish violence or suffering on either of them. I would, in my anger, wish that Obama was impeached or that Pelosi decided to retire. I would speak out strongly against what they are doing to this country. I can do this without holding actual hatred in my heart for either of them.
Ask yourself this: If Obama had a sudden turning-around, if he suddenly experienced a revival of Christian thought and deed, if he eschewed his hateful language and swore to do better, if he apologized for his actions and sought your forgiveness, would you give it to him? Of course you might be cautious at first. So would I. But if he earnestly sought to undo the harm and his apology was genuine, would you hold back due to your anger with him? Would you refuse forgiveness so that you could see him suffer? Or would you welcome him gladly and rejoice that one more has been recovered?
To those who ask how to keep from hating Obama and Pelosi, I say this: First, do not wish them harm in your anger. Do not wish for a creatively painful death for them. Do not call any diseases or medical conditions upon them. I say this doubly to the Christians, because our words may have power and we are responsible for that power.
Secondly, be certain in your heart that you would accept them willingly should they repent and return. I'm using religious language here for a political process, so let me be clear... your fellow Christian is your brother or sister even if he or she disagrees with your politics. My point is that, whether it be politics or religion, any hesitation to welcome them in should be borne only of caution, and not a desire for revenge or refusal to forgive.
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