How to Behave like a Christian Just Now

“Is what I’m about to say coming from a place of love for my brother or sister?” That’s a good question to ask as we’re headed into the political divide, as the two main parties of our country move through their respective conventions. So, here we are. For many Christians, it appears that the approved stance is to act passive, as if we should not be involved. But our involvement works at a higher level than politics. We are called to care for people. We need to act and speak persuasively in that manner. Here are some thoughts on carrying that off… First, don’t claim God is on your side. It isn’t unusual for people to claim that Jesus/God feels the same way they do. They’ll even quote Bible passages. As believers and followers, however, we need to recognize we can’t claim to know everything God knows. Our Scriptures remind us that God is above us and beyond us. Second, don’t claim the other side is against God and that, therefore, God hates them. We are assured that God loves all and that we are to care for all. Our responsibility is to speak and to act in ways that demonstrate that care. Third, listen to the other side. One of the striking examples of Jesus is the pagan woman who comes to Jesus asking that he heal her daughter. He says to her, in what appears at first as a derogatory manner, that his message is for Israel and shouldn’t be tossed to “the dogs.” He opens an interesting “door” in this conversation referring to the dogs as puppies, dogs of a household. The woman responds by saying that she understands that, but the puppies do get to eat the crumbs that fall from the table. Jesus listens and commends the woman for her insight. We can do the same with people who disagree with us. We can recognize what does make sense in what they say, which many times can grow out of their fear or concerns. Finally, (although there is more to say on this) ask that question in the first line of this article not just of yourself but of God. Pray before you talk. We need to act from love first. This isn’t easy, especially when we’re angry. But it is the most important guide we have because we’re asking the Holy Spirit for help, even when it can feel like we’re talking to ourselves. Blessings, Geoff