After scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed this past week, and seeing nothing but argument after argument between differing viewpoints that will never see eye-to-eye, I knew what I wanted to write about. More so, what I needed to write about.
It seems as though we've had a shift of focus. Instead of going out into the world and being the change we want to see, we spend copious amounts of time knit picking and fact checking one another, in order to win an argument in the comments section of a close friend's, or perhaps even complete stranger's, Facebook wall.
All for what?
There's never a "winner", there's seldom a peaceful agreement, and it's remarkably trivial as very little is accomplished.
Whether you're a democrat, republican, libertarian, vegan, carnivore, or human that flat out enjoys McDonalds french fries more than they should (like myself), this article is for you.
Here are five bible verses (NIV) to keep you focused on what really matters this political season.
1. "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1
This one is pretty self explanatory: Just love each other.
2. "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Take your hopes, your dreams, your wishes, your frustrations, and throw 'em to God. God can't help you if you don't allow him to. We think we can handle everything ourselves, but we will fall indefinitely if we inherit this mindset.
3. "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
You're not going to agree with everyone, nor will you like everyone. Some people may even tear you apart. Be that as it may, holding a grudge will require a heck-of-a-lot more of your energy, thoughts, and time than forgiving and moving forward.
4. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you." Luke 6:37-38
This is pretty much God's way of saying, "what goes around, comes around". We are what we do, and we have full control over this. Be a good one.
5. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
I have always loved this verse. For with God, anything is possible. Believe in God's power to empower you, and kick some butt in whatever it is you do.
It's really that simple. Love each other, love God, and get busy on being the change you want to see. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
