As we have traveled around the country, we have seen a true cross section of the country. With politics dominating the airwaves this past fall it was interesting to observe as people passionately defended their candidate while tearing down the opposing candidate. The division and hatred for the other side reached a level that I have not personally witnessed before. It seems as if we have a difference of opinion, we can't be friends anymore. We are truly saddened by the state of affairs in the US right now. We have had several Guatemalans ask us what is going on, and all we can do is shake our heads and say, "We don't really know".
How are we as Christians to respond? One friend, trying to put things in perspective said, "We voted for a president, not a savior. I already have one of those". As much power as the president of the United States has to set the tone and direction for the country, he or she is not and will not be my savior, nor the savior of the USA. We personally believe only Jesus can fill that position. No matter what your particular political persuasion is, each and every one of us, myself included, are called to pray for our leaders, whether they are part of our preferred political party or not. While I am often challenged by a passage of scripture, Romans 12 is worth reading and taking to heart with our current climate in the US. I'd like to share with all of you that the Lord has laid Romans 12:9-21 on my heart given all the different people we've interacted with, and I am going to go as far as to challenge us all to use our sincere love to point those around us to the true savior, Jesus Christ.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
BIbleGateway: NIV
Can we all extend more grace? Can we seek peace? Can we share with others who we don't agree with? If we, who call ourselves Christians, can't demonstrate the love of Christ, who will?
How are we as Christians to respond? One friend, trying to put things in perspective said, "We voted for a president, not a savior. I already have one of those". As much power as the president of the United States has to set the tone and direction for the country, he or she is not and will not be my savior, nor the savior of the USA. We personally believe only Jesus can fill that position. No matter what your particular political persuasion is, each and every one of us, myself included, are called to pray for our leaders, whether they are part of our preferred political party or not. While I am often challenged by a passage of scripture, Romans 12 is worth reading and taking to heart with our current climate in the US. I'd like to share with all of you that the Lord has laid Romans 12:9-21 on my heart given all the different people we've interacted with, and I am going to go as far as to challenge us all to use our sincere love to point those around us to the true savior, Jesus Christ.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
BIbleGateway: NIV
Can we all extend more grace? Can we seek peace? Can we share with others who we don't agree with? If we, who call ourselves Christians, can't demonstrate the love of Christ, who will?