Together as Americans, we pause to thank God for our many personal blessings and for the blessings of living in a society where we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to engage in the political process.
Some of our elected officials recently displayed kindness in the public square, prompting me to thank God and to pray anew for the possibility of less political vitriol.
Newly elected Republican Congressman, Dan Crenshaw, went widely public several weekends ago when one of the Saturday Night Live cast members, Pete Davidson, lampooned him for his war injuries, of all things, wounds which Crenshaw will carry for the rest of his life because of his heroic actions on our behalf. (A warning about that link: The comments are crude.)
Representative Crenshaw responded in an astounding manner. His initial comments were that Navy Seals, such as himself, don’t take small things like insults personally. He demanded no apology, didn’t ask that Davidson be fired, remained pleasant, and suggested that, should Davidson want to make the effort, he might consider donating to a veterans’ organization.
On Veterans Day weekend, Crenshaw was then invited to appear on Saturday Night Live (above), where he responded with good-natured humor, which you can see HERE.
Crenshaw also wrote a piece for the Washington Post. Here are a couple of quotes from that article: SNL mocked my appearance. Here’s why I didn’t demand an apology.
“Assuming the worst about your opponents’ intentions has the effect of demonizing their ideas, removing the need for sound counter-reasoning and fact-based argument. That’s not a good environment for the exchange of ideas. When all else fails, try asking for forgiveness, or granting it.”
I agree wholeheartedly.
“I get the feeling that regular, hard-working, generally unoffended Americans sigh with exhaustion — daily.”
Yes, we do, Congressman. We do, indeed.
I invite you to read Representative Crenshaw’s post by clicking HERE.
Soon afterward, another effort toward reconciliation occurred in a more private space on the same weekend. Yet another Texas politician also exemplified this type of gracious attitude and behavior.
After his failed attempt to unseat Senator Ted Cruz, Representative Beto O’Rourke, a Democrat, encountered his former opponent in the airport boarding area as both awaited their flight to return to Washington, D.C. It was the first time they had seen one another since their hotly contested political fight.
Congressman O’Rourke and his wife went out of their way to approach the Cruzes, to congratulation them on their well-fought political campaign, and to shake their hands. We only know this because a fellow passenger snapped photos and posted them on Twitter. See it HERE. Of course, this news also went wide.
The Bible provides instructions for how we should speak to those we might consider “outsiders” or opponents in any way, whether they’re practitioners of another faith, members of a different political party, people of another race or nationality, or even family members with whom we quibble on this holiday.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13 ESV).
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV).
We’re all fallen people. Holding a grudge or taking up an offense comes easy. But, with the help of God, I hope and pray that we might choose a different path.
The compassionate heart of Christ is our example. As he bears with us in kindness, compassion, humility, and patience, so we are to do the same toward others. Just as he has forgiven us, we must also forgive one another. It is usually not within ourselves to carry this out. Only with God’s help can we do this.
We're all fallen people. Holding a grudge or taking up an offense comes easy. But, with the help of God, I hope and pray that we might choose a different path. The compassionate heart of Christ is our example. Click To TweetWhen we are wise and gracious toward people in “opposition,” we redeem the time, making the best use of it. True gracious speech and behavior is given freely with no expectation of return. It’s not bestowed because of any merit in the other, but is given out of a heart overflowing with kindness. This is Christlikeness in action.
Just as God has forgiven us, we must also forgive one another. It is usually not within ourselves to carry this out. True gracious speech and behavior is given freely with no expectation of return. Only with God's help can we do this. Click To TweetI hope the kindness these younger members of Congress exhibited will head us back toward more civility as a nation and as individual persons. Regardless of their own personal beliefs, they have set us an example of godly behavior. Perhaps our nation can quit fighting and can unite to move forward as Americans together, rather than as divided political parties. In like manner, perhaps we can also forgive our own friends, coworkers, and family members.
This Thanksgiving, in addition to expressing my tremendous gratitude for my family and for the freedom to openly practice my faith, I hope and pray that the Lord will grant us peace after years of dissension over our last general election. May he also grant peace within our families.
For what do you hope and pray this weekend?
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Hello Melinda – you words and your highlights of Scripture are so so true. It is easy to fall into arguments – easy for forget how the “wise” and the “Spirit Filled” are called to speak.
At this time in the UK such wisdom in those speaking about Brexit would be so welcomed. I pray our Leaders find such a path so the UK and Europe can set out a positive way forward toward a better future
The incivility in political rhetoric right now is a threat to modern culture. The little glimmers of polite and kind speech give me hope that we might rise above all this hostility. But without seeking the help of the Lord, it may not occur. I’m hopeful that some of our younger newly elected officials can make a change. Only time will tell. Thanks for mentioning your own political conflict over Brexit. It’s certainly a global problem, for all of humanity struggles with sin.
Dear Melinda!
This was a different but inspiring blog post from you.
You wrote: “We’re all fallen people.”
That’s what I like about the Christian perspective. When we go beyond what each of us does daily, there’s no difference. We’re all the same in God’s eyes.
This weekend I hope to spend some great time with friends and family, and I’m praying that we learn to appreciate what we have around us before it’s too late.
With love!
Edna Davidsen
Thank you for your kind comment, Edna. Like you, I hope we can turn this around before it’s too late, before our culture is destroyed by the hatred and animosity tearing us apart politically. As people who are all fallen, I hope and pray that our eyes open to what our incivility is costing us. For our children and those who come after us, we need to rebuild. Thankfully, our faith gives us the means to do that, if we’ll only turn toward God and his ways. Have a blessed weekend, Edna! Thank you for all you do to bring harmony!
Congressman Dan Crenshaw responded in a way that most pe0ple would not have. I am so glad that he did. He set an example on how to do things without resulting in a display of hate and ugliness. I work with a lot of young adults who at one time believed the way to resolve situations was to get the person back, hate responding with hate. My prayer this weekend is that more people allow their light to shine in the face of darkness. To be the example the world needs to see and embrace the values kindness and love….
That’s challenging work! These two young politicians both set the tone of kindness and civility, and they come across in ways that are attractive to young people. I hope their tribe multiplies. We need these types of examples to offset the negatives examples also present at this time.
Melinda, I really appreciated this post. Forgiveness and loving your “enemy” are some of the most difficult concepts in the Bible, but they’re also some of the most beautiful. Forgiving others (even when they aren’t sorry or aren’t seeking our forgiveness and loving those who show us disrespect and even hatred is one of the ways that we can come closest to understanding the hurt that God feels when we separate ourselves from him with our sinful thoughts and/or actions. By taking the high road and forgiving before an apology has ever been issued or forgiveness has been asked, we are following the example of Jesus. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject today!
These are refreshing responses in a hurtful world. We definitely need to let Christ show through in our actions and reactions. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for commenting, Wendy.
Melinda, thank you for your post. In the current political climate, people always feel like they have to fight back. We may expect that from the world, but that is not the example that Christ gave us. And honestly, angry words just spark a defensive attitude from the other person, followed by more angry words. Only gracious words and a loving attitude have the power to deescalate a situation. Thank you for reminding us of that..to have the mind and heart of Christ, even when we are reviled.
That’s definitely the challenge! For this current political to change, we must do our best to respond in a Christ-like manner to vitriol. I hope Christians can lead the way in responding with more civility. Thanks for your comment, Luisa.
Thank you for this blog post! Remaining un-offended is freedom and it allows us to show many people the love of Christ. Blessings!
Thanks for commenting, Michelle!
Good one. I love Colossians 3! I find the “take off” list as difficult as the “put on” list. But, in regards to the political tension, it is great to hear that there are a couple of level- headed examples!
Thnaks
One guy in our Colossians study described chapter three as “the list of stuff you work on for the rest of you life.” Yes, it is! The put in’s and take off’s give us plenty to do! I agree about the two young politicians. We need more leaders like this!
Its good to see that boys can play together nicely, even in politics and the media. Thanks for highlighting this
That’s always a good thing. 🙂
Melinda, what an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing these rare and respectful moments demonstrated by our leaders. I pray that I will be able to show as much grace as they did. God bless you as you keep us all growing in our faith in both knowledge and in action.
Weren’t they exemplary! It had to be shared! The same holds true today, as all of us examine the kind and gentle President George H.W. Bush on his passing.
Truly beautiful Melinda. If only all of us could come together and not feel so offended at the actions of others. This is the second time I’ve heard recently that people aren’t always malicious in their dealings with each other. If we could recognize that, we would spend less of our lives offended and on the defense. Kindness and live are indeed the answers to many if life’s ails.
I so agree, Brittany. In a timely, God ordained manner, right in the middle of this, we have the death of President George H. W. Bush, a moderate who believed in listening to both sides, a Christian man, a gracious and gentle man who friends and colleagues on both sides, even among his political opponents. Reflecting on his life reveals the true power behind kindness. Perhaps the Lord can use this politically to open the eyes of the loud, abrasive, and vindictive. Maybe all of us can learn an important lesson about the power of listening and truly caring about others. I’m always hopeful.