I have gotten pretty upset over the past couple of days because of the whole Chick-fil-a thing. It is not because of the issue itself! I have close friends and family on BOTH sides of the debate. My problem is the really mean and hateful posts that my friends have been putting on their time lines. Even my clergy friends have not been immune. They call each other names and post terrible things about their brothers and sisters with whom they disagree. That is not the Christian way to do things! No wonder the world thinks Christians are hypocrites or just plain fanatics. Just because we don't always agree doesn't mean that the person you disagree with is evil or that you can treat them like garbage. So here are a few thoughts:
1. We are all sinners. We all mess up. We are all wrong some of the time. Consider how you would want to be treated if you were the one who was wrong. Do you want to be trashed publicly all over the Internet? Would you rather have a friend say to you privately, "I hear where you are coming from, but this is what I think..." When I disagree with someone, I always try to remember that I may be the one in the wrong. I try to be understanding, forgiving, and gracious.
2. Have you ever seen anyone change their mind on a topic because they were yelled at and called names? I haven't. In fact on divisive topics like same sex marriage you probably won't be able to win over your opponent no matter how kind, intelligent, and beautiful your argument is. We can't change people's hearts. Only God can change your heart. I have changed my view on many controversial topics over the years. I think it is part of becoming more mature. But it was not friends arguing with me that changed my mind. It was prayer and thoughtful study that let God change my heart!
3. How are we as Christians supposed to treat one another? First and foremost we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. In Jesus' illustration of this concept his neighbor, the Samaritan, was not only of a different faith, but he was also from another country with a different government and political climate. He still acted in compassion and love for his neighbor. If he can be kind, then surely liberals and conservatives should be able to react to each other in compassion.
But we are more than just neighbors. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. So we are held to a higher standard. In Matthew 18 Jesus gives us an example of how to reconcile with someone who has sinned against you. First go talk to the person alone and tell them what is bothering you. If they refuse to listen... (Note: If they are understanding and listen with an open mind and still disagree it should be over. Accept it and move on!) Then, discuss it with them and two or three others. Even though the next part sounds like a condemnation it isn't. You are to treat them as a gentile or a tax collector... How does Jesus treat Gentiles and tax collectors? He calls them to be disciples, he heals them, he eats with them, and he loves them!
OK so you don't agree on something that you think is vitally important... You don't have to hang out with them if they are getting on your nerves, but you do need to treat them with compassion, love, and respect. You must love them as you love yourself. If one side of the argument HAS to be wrong, remember it might be you. Be humble.
Our society is becoming so polarized. It is our duty as Christians to act as an example of how different people can live together in peace.
Amen. And amen.!!
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