Does anyone else think political seasons are the worst? Whatever may be on the docket, whoever may be on the ticket, it's the same thing over and over: people divided, bashing one another because of differing opinions on matters concerning the nation. Jesus, I think, would have something to say about the way we treat one another, yes, even those politicians we vehemently disagree with: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny." Matthew 5:21-26 I think this goes for ANYONE. James says with our lips we praise God, and then curse someone who is made in his image (See James 3). This is something that should never happen! It doesn't matter what someone else's ideology is. They could be the worst person ever, but we're still commanded to love those we're opposed to, and, especially, who are opposed to us. What matters is the Gospel of Grace that declares all who believe in Jesus to be brothers and sisters, regardless of background, ethnicity, past, political affiliation, or any other such thing that seeks to separate and divide. There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism ((Ephesians 4:5), There is One people (all who believe in Christ Jesus, Hosea 2:23, Romans 9:25-26), One Church (Though different bodies of believers, 1 Corinthians 12-14). To divide up what Jesus has united is to work against Him. So let us, then do as He says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers,i what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:38-48
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