Let’s Stop the Hate!

A large number of professing Christians cast their vote against Hillary Clinton and for Donald Trump because we wanted to “drain the swamp.” I don’t regret my decision—the reasons for which I laid out in my last post. The problem is that this election has been characterized by hate and continues to generate hatred.

In no way do I condone the riots that are taking place, but I’m also disturbed by some of the other things I’m hearing.

Some of Trump’s supporters are harassing and threatening internationals and minorities. Hatred of any type is entirely unacceptable and goes against all that we stand for both as Christians and Americans. It does no good to drain the swamp if we allow all sorts of mean critters to run wild.

Regardless of whatever stereotypes are thrown around, I know that my friends and colleagues are not people of hate. So, no matter who you voted for or why, please consider doing the following:

1. Shut down any inflammatory rhetoric (including social media posts) and encourage others to do the same.
2. Stand up for anyone you see being threatened or marginalized.
3. Go out of your way to encourage those who might feel threatened.
4. Pray for rage to subside, wounds to be healed, and peace to rule in our land.

In all honesty, I’m terribly disappointed by the behavior of both the right and the left throughout this election process.

I’d prefer not to see any finger pointing or casting blame at this point. Those of us who profess the name of Christ don’t have an excuse to hate anyone. Instead, we are called to protect the vulnerable and love even our enemies.

Let’s quit playing politics and be about our heavenly Father’s true work.

We can do a lot better.

We need to do a lot better!