The country seems more divided than ever in modern history. People on both sides of the aisle are pointing fingers at each other, criticising the other side as evil and anti-American. Verbal abuse and physical violence have broken out and are defining the politics of this generation.

We get it. The stakes are high. The results of this election appear to define the will of the nation and the direction its people would like to see this country go. However, the problem isn’t being passionate about your country. It’s about seeing political opponents as your enemies. It’s about hating those who have different beliefs.

It’s time that Christians stop being a part of the divide and start being a light in the darkness in a post-election United States.

Being a light in the darkness after the election

Being a force of peace and drawing people together rather than adding to the argument and dividing them apart can better help our nation grow stronger and solve problems.

Jesus tells us to be like lights in the darkness, not to be part of the darkness. To be a light in the darkness after the election, you need to:

• Pray — “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.”
  – 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (MSG)

  Love ’em or hate ’em, we Christians are supposed to pray for the leaders of our nation. We were supposed to pray for Obama. Many didn’t. We were supposed to pray for Trump. Many didn’t. Now, we’re supposed to pray for Biden.

  Will you heed God’s call and pray for everyone, including the nation’s leaders? Or will you gnash your teeth against them in bitterness and anger? Which path do you think leads to restoration? Which will you choose?

• Be like Jesus — Jesus taught us to love all those we don’t think we’re supposed to love. He invited the outsiders in. He told us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We cannot choose politics over people. All people are children in the eyes of God, so let’s treat them that way. It’s what Jesus would do.
• Withhold judgment — A person is more complicated than their politics. A person who votes for Trump may not be a racist, though it may be hard for a Biden supporter to accept that. A person who votes for Biden may not want socialism, although it may be hard for a Trump supporter to accept that.

  Withhold judgment over someone when you know nothing about them. Find the common ground. Reach out and make the connection. Don’t judge someone and divide yourselves apart.

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