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Love, Hate and Politics


“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:43-48)
 

         Civility doesn't seem to be one of the hallmarks of our society, thanks to a large extent to political correctness. But with the presidential election about as long from now as it takes a baby to gestate, rhetoric and emotions are ramping up like a pregnant women's hormones (or at least like a bad case of PMS) along with the campaign season. It looks as if anger is going to be all the rage and hatred the measure of our love. If anyone dares question the vitriol, they kindest thing they hear is that the hated ones are our enemies. They are out to hurt us or kill us, to force us into a Dark Ages mentality. It's us or them, and if we don't win, it's all over - not even God can turn it around....
       Into the midst of this propaganda, what does Jesus say? Love your neighbors and your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Be perfect as God is perfect (and He blesses both the good and the evil).  
        Not accept - love.

               Not tolerate - love.

                        Not include - love.

                              Not coddle - love.

                                      Not agree with - love

                                             Not give in to - love

                                                    Not attack - love.

                                                            Not hate - love.

                                                                    Not stand and watch in silence - love
            What does Jesus say about those who pick sides in their loving? What does He say about those who love their friends and hate their enemies? They're like the pagans.
        It's not easy. It is simple.
          The person for whom you vote is a decision that you should make in consultation with God. I'm not going to suggest who that candidate should be. I am going to suggest that God has already told us the sort of candidate who should not be given our vote: any candidate whose campaign is based on hate. It is entirely appropriate that candidates should speak about the qualifications in comparison to the qualifications of the other candidates, and should express how their philosophies differ. It is entirely appropriate for candidates to remind us of their opponents' positions and stands. A candidate whose life and campaign show a hatred of God or a hatred of people (or groups of people) or whose rhetoric inspires others to hate is not one for whom we should vote.


           

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