A shorter version of this post appeared here on Seriously Write. Hebrews 12.
The facts:
- In the US, more than 6,363,729 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by Johns Hopkins.
- The number of reported deaths of loved ones is more than 190,887.
- In US politics, polls waffle back and forth, showing Joe Biden slightly ahead on one day and Donald Trump ahead on the next. Approximately 8-10% are undecided.
- Peaceful protests occur in some of our cities. Violence, looting, and riots in others.
‘Tis the season. The political arguments have begun, or rather, have merely continued. The election season conflicts of four years ago never ended. How can Christian writers help to keep peace in a fiercely divided nation mid-pandemic and racial conflict? Therein lies the rub.
How can Christian writers help to keep peace in a fiercely divided nation mid-pandemic and racial conflict? Therein lies the rub. #Election2020 #WritingCommunity Click To TweetIf you’re active on social media or you have an extended family, you know that even Christians are starkly divided on many issues inherent in this year’s election. And yet, we are not allowed to remain entrenched in combative stances, for we are followers of Christ.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness spring up and cause trouble, and by it many be defiled . . . If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Hebrews 12:14-15; Romans 12:18)
How do we live our lives in the way that these verses prescribe? And when? Emotions are high. Opinions and positions are nailed down. When do we politely walk away? When do we state our position and hold our ground? When do we avoid the discussion altogether? How do we notice the signs of a conflict that will explode?
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God…If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:19b-20, 26).
Three powerful tools allow us time to consider what is behind the words of another, to quiet our emotions, and to respond calmly.
- A deep breath.
- A silent prayer.
- A plan to listen in silence, to hold our tongue.
Still, things can get out of hand quickly! Suddenly emotions engage, and we find ourselves speaking before we intended or pushing into an explosive situation.
What are the warning signs?
A rant by the other, displaying no desire to understand opposing opinions, expressing hatred toward all who believe differently. They may have long-held prejudices. They’re angry with all who hold opposing viewpoints.
These indicate that a conversation might be entirely futile. Might be. As we sit in silence, listening to the tirade, we pray, attempting to determine if there is space for other viewpoints or words. If we speak, we may be wasting our time and adding fuel to the fire. Walking away might be our best option, unless the Lord leads otherwise.
Sometimes, for the good of the other, we must speak even in these situations, even if the other doesn’t like what we have to say. Positions of hatred harm the hater as much as those who are hated. Hating anyone is outside the bounds of Christian life. And yet, we all have hated and can feel hatred, even toward people we love, so we can relate.
It may be our obligation to speak in an attempt to help one who is filled with hatred to consider the other side and the reasons behind the actions of the other. Maybe they simply need encouragement. When the Holy Spirit opens this door, we walk through it, even when there may be will be backlash. The Lord intends us to speak when called.
“..Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV).
When craftiness and human deceit have built a lie, we speak the truth in love as the Lord leads, even if speaking causes a reaction. Sometimes the truth must be stated in the defense of those Jesus listed in the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46): the needy, the stranger/foreigner, the naked/homeless/trafficked/enslaved, the sick, and the imprisoned.
Given Jesus’ instruction, we must address the obscenity, slander, and malice of racism, especially in the lives of others who claim to be believers in Christ. We speak and write the truth gently, for the other is probably blind to their weakness. This requires prayer, honesty, love, and tact.
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:8-11 ESV).
Even in this topsy-turvy political climate, with strife and disagreement swirling, as demonstrated by the protests and riots all across our nation, we must write the truth when the time is right and when the Lord leads, no matter the pushback.
Do not be afraid. Write. Speak.
Even in this topsy-turvy #political climate, with strife and disagreement swirling, we must write the truth when the time is right and when the Lord leads, no matter the pushback. Do not be afraid. Write. Speak. Click To Tweet“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4 ESV).
We need to stand in the gap of the turmoil and shine the light of Christ. Some very great advice in your blog. And as we pray, we must remember to pray for all no matter if they differ from us and our thoughts.
Those are significant and much needed realities. Praying for those who differ from us proves to be essential, not merely for them, but also for us, for it softens our hearts. Also, standing in the gap to shine the light of Christ is needed. Otherwise, our country drifts ever more deeply into the darkness.
Pause and pray before speaking. Those simple actions can help heal the world. Show His love to everyone we meet.
Well said, Melissa. The simplicity of pausing and praying before speaking, of showing God’s love to everyone we meet — these “simple actions” that always prove not to be so very simple, really can heal the world! Thank you for adding this to the discussion. This is rich!
Such fresh insight, Melinda. You so beautifully expressed the range of emotions most of us deal with right now and how to deeply reflect and possible responses. And not just any responses but biblical ones.
This is everything: “Three powerful tools allow us time to consider what is behind the words of another, to quiet our emotions, and to respond calmly.
A deep breath.
A silent prayer.
A plan to listen in silence, to hold our tongue.”
I like to say, The best reaction isn’t a knee-jerk response, but a response on our knees.
Thank you for adding your thoughts here, Karen. You’re so right — a knee-jerk response does not usually produce the right response, and certainly not the Biblical response. The best response is on our knees. Pray. Wait for the answer, for the words, for the grace not to fight but to be kind, AND THEN respond. Yes! And, when we blow it, we need the grace to apologize graciously. More prayer needed for that.
Melinda, this is a much needed message and written with such balance in scripture and in wisdom. We must speak God’s truth in love. We must. And there are times the Holy Spirit would invite us to listen first, for maybe our gentle kindness, soft response and listening ear can open an otherwise hardened heart. And yet, as you say, sometimes even that won’t stop the onslaught of hatred.
Recently, I have been made aware of a push for child pornography in our culture and it literally makes my stomach hurt and my eyes tear up. We cannot allow this evil desire for the use of children as objects of pleasure for adults and the efforts being made toward a new cultural norm in this regard, to be normal in our spheres of influence. But your words still ring true. Holy Spirit, we need your hand upon us as we communicate God’s eternal truth with steadfast faith and Christlike love. Thank you for your voice of truth. Keep writing, sister. Keep writing for Jesus.
You are so right, Melissa! These injustices and outrageous actions of both racism and of this attempt to normalize pedophilia are horrendous in God’s eyes. Image bearers are to be treated with the respect and the integrity due to any and every child of God, regardless of race and certainly regardless of age. And yet, in our nation, children from babies on upward are kidnapped and trafficked for sexual purposes. And, our nation still struggles with the acceptance, love, and equal treatment toward Black Americans. God’s judgment will fall upon us for this. One of the crimes of Babylon the Great, the evil and corrupt world system, is the trafficking in human souls. We are implicated. Only the Lord can change this by his grace, his work in the lives of others, and our cooperative obedience.
Such good words! There is a way for us to act as believers and writers – it is the way of peace.
So true! The way of the Prince of Peace is indeed the way of peace. Thank you for adding this reality here, Pam!
The way of peace is the high road, and it always requires grace, effort, and self control. In extending peace in this way, we also grow. Thank you for adding this, Pam.
So many ranters who are incapable of hearing another viewpoint. May we not find ourselves among them. Thank you, Melinda. God bless!
Amen to this, Nancy! Ranting, rather than listening, is never wise. Strong words written with sharpened craft skills, with prayer, and with persistence, as you do on your own blog, will hopefully get through by the grace of God!
Your thoughts and words parallel mine, and you’ve put it all so elegantly. May I share this on my website?
Thank you, Linda. Yes, you most certainly may share it on your website. I’m honored.
I have been working part-time at my church as the Women’s Ministry Associate, under the Women’s Pastor. She has been mentoring me in this ministry, and she always tells me to help people turn their eyes up — to look towards God, and take all their stress, anxiety and confusion to the Lord in prayer. It’s the best advice anyone can give! Google the song by Lauren Daigle, “Look Up Child.” It greatly ministers to me – maybe it will you, too. Bless you all!
Great advice, Lisa! How exciting for you to be part of the Women’s Ministry at your church. Looking up is the solution. So easily we forget that, trudging along, attempting to do all of this in our own strength. To look up, child, is the best strategy ever!
Such a wise article! The key is to speak truth gently and lovingly. We can still be bold and still be kind. As the holidays approach and we invite our family for dinner, I’m encouraging everyone in this vein, to share their thoughts or hold back depending on whether they can do so with kindness.
Great advice, Marci! Gently and with kindness are the best ways to communicate. Easily, when emotions are stirred, we can fail miserably at this. Therefore, as a practice, it must be deliberate when beginning, but then, with time, the habit of using what my husband and I call “sweetie-pie voices” assures us of less conflict. Words stated sweetly are seldom reacted to with anger.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” So, so true. There is so much strength in choosing not to engage. Thanks for your post.
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Lorrie! Choosing when not to engage requires wisdom and discernment. You’re so right. There is much strength in knowing when to make that choice!