Mixing Religion ...

 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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.  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.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21)

 

          There’s an old warning about not discussing religion or politics, and some people think it even worse to “mix” the two, but mid-term elections are coming up, which means that feelings will be running high, and attitudes burning hot. So – again, without telling us how to vote, Paul tells us how to behave. If you’re a Republican, bless the Democrats. If you’re a Democrat, bless the Republican. This doesn’t mean voting for the other’s candidates, but it might mean refraining from shouting at them or abusing them. It might mean sharing a plate of cookies with them, and picking up litter you find in their yard (not their election signs, real litter!)

          Be willing to associate with them – willing to hang out, spend time, eat a meal, etc. Part of me notes that this willingness needs to exist, but doesn’t have to exist in a way that willingness to spend time with likeminded doesn’t. It’s not likely God is asking you to throw weekly parties to which you invite only those who disagree with you politically if you’re not a party person.

          Don’t say things like, “But they started it!” Or “they did just as bad.” The only time their behavior should be a standard for us is when they’re doing good. Otherwise, treat them as you would like to be treated by them. One good way to do this is to develop a policy of addressing the issues separately from the person. This is harder when it involves a philosophy, political stand, or religion because the person tends to be so closely associated with their beliefs, feelings, and opinions, but work on it.

          It seems as if people too often seem to think that because their candidate was elected, they should get their way for the next four years. They don’t grant the other side the same control if the other side wins, but their side should be allowed to do whatever they want. And, the other side is warned, “Look out!” because if their side wins in the next election, they’re going to take revenge for everything that happened while their side was not in power. This is not Christian behavior.

          This doesn’t mean that if someone thinks that something that is happening is wrong, that they aren’t permitted to speak up. We must stand for the truth. But revenge should not be Christian policy. We are not to overcome evil with evil, but with good.