Jesus taught us to love our enemies. He understood the enemies of the Church would be violent, cruel, deadly, intentional, and determined. From Rome to Tehran governments have called for the extermination of Christianity. And yet in light of such determined persecution and murder, Jesus taught us to love our enemies.
Even from the cross Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” The very Roman soldiers who had ridiculed, mocked, flogged, and crucified Him, Jesus asked for them to be forgiven. There was no feeling of or demand for revenge within His heart. He loved even those who abused Him.
All the participants in the presidential campaign of 2008 claim to be Christian. Most of the political commentators on radio and television, as well as editors in the newspapers claim to be Christian. Why can’t they treat each other and those on the other side of an issue with respect and kindness. Politics has always been a “dirty business”. Negative campaigns are not new. They are effective. Negativity can be a winning strategy. But is it Christian?
When did we lose the ability to passionately disagree with someone and not make it personal? Where did we lose sight of Christ’s command to love those who are on the other side of the issue? Much of the world views America as a “Christian nation.” Is this the best witness to Christ we can give them?
It might be easy to see the speck in the eye of Democratic and Republican hopefuls. It might be easy to see the speck in the eye of the media pundits. Perhaps we all ought to stare into a mirror and see if any of the ugliness and hatred of our current political culture isn’t within our own hearts. Before we call a nation to repentance, let us each examine our own hearts and repent before God. Have we truly loved our neighbor as ourselves…even if they belong to another political persuasion?
