This is one of those rare instances on this blog where I stray from my normal posts. Over the last few months I have attempted not to get political. I’m not even sure that this one will qualify as political as it it definitely falls under a moral lesson.
Lesson In Futility
Yesterday President Donald Trump announced that he and his wife tested positive for COVID-19. While there were plenty of people providing prayerful sentiments, I was shocked to see so many wishing death on a political enemy.
It appears, from at least my point of view, that we have reached a tipping point. Have we passed the point in the current political climate where all humanity is stripped away from those involved?
What Would Jesus Do?
I understand that people get emotional, but no matter where you fall on the political spectrum we must realize that real people and real families are involved. Trust me…I understand that the president isn’t perfect, but that is no reason to wish death on him.
Though we don’t see it in media or social media, it is possible to disagree and still wish the best for someone. It is s sad state of affairs that we find ourselves in. Biden and Trump are not your savior, but Jesus is. Biden and Trump are created in the image of God, as we all are, and deserve to be treated as such.
This does not mean that they are above criticism. After all, when you work in the public it goes with the territory. However we should wish them well, pray for them, and pray that the Holy Spirit gives them the wisdom to the best they can. In fact in Matthew 5:44 Jesus tells us to pray for our enemies. Scripture is full of this type of lesson.
Lesson From Scripture
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.-1 Timothy 2:1-2
Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.-Hebrews 12:14
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.-1 John 4:7
What Now?
Wishing harm on those we disagree with is not a good thing to do. My prayer is that the horrible comments that some said will be repented of. My prayer for all of you, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, is that you respect the humanity of the person. A person is much more than their political affiliation, they are created in the image of God.
Do not wish harm on another. It solves nothing and just feeds into the hysteria. I guess that is the lesson.
Lesson From Saints
“We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject, for both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in finding it.” ― St. Thomas Aquinas
“Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.”-St. Ephram
“Occupy your minds with good thoughts, or the enemy will fill them with bad ones. Unoccupied, they cannot be.”-St. Thomas More
“Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes.”-St. Dominic
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