I think election season is depressing. I’m tired of hearing politicians put each other down without telling their voters what they stand for. I’m tired of half-truths and outright lies becoming commonplace. And I’m really tired of Canadians pitting each other against each other as if elections were some kind of war where insults and demonization of neighbors are tolerated and civility towards each other is lost. are.
My neighbor may have radically different political views than I, and perhaps even views that I find morally reprehensible. I accept that, but please don’t let the hate fool you. Jesus was very clear about how to deal with people with whom you disagree.
“You have heard it said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your heavenly Father. He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and rains on the righteous.” for he will rain down on you, the unrighteous. After all, if you only love those who love you, what is the reward? ” (Matthew 5:43-46)
It’s hard not to fall into the trap of badmouthing political opponents or making fun of candidates with whom you disagree. However, you can criticize policies without attacking individuals. Political jokes may seem funny on the surface, but when they denigrate the humanity of others, even those who attack others on a daily basis are considered “enemies.” It goes against the command to love others, including others.
It’s also important to define your political positions by who you are and what you believe is right, not by who you hate. I once went to hear a politician’s story that I wanted to know more about. During her speech, she mentioned her opponent’s name so many times that I began to wonder if she was campaigning for him. I couldn’t vote for her because I never heard what she stood for.
Personally, my politics are based on my faith as a follower of Jesus. No single political party can command my loyalty. How are candidates and political parties fulfilling what Jesus said about feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, helping the poor, and caring for the sick? (Matthew 25:34-40) These are important questions to me. How do you decide?
