Election Day
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 11,15-18, NRSVUE
Today is election day. Even though this is a year of mid-term elections, not a presidential election, we still have been inundated with political commercials on TV and radio for the past few months. And, frankly, I’m ready to be able to watch TV or listen to the radio without hearing how awful one candidate or another will be for our community or our state.
Believe it or not, I have heard many stories of how families have been torn apart by disagreements over how other family members have voted. Think about that for a moment: family members have refused to speak to one another or have contact with one another because of the candidate(s) they support for political office.
It is important that we choose to support a candidate whom we think supports the ideas that are important, right and good, however, it is even more important to love one another regardless of whom we voted for. We can disagree about issues — even the most important ones — and still love one another.
Jesus did not command us to agree with one another. But He did command us to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” When we love one another, we treat each other with dignity and respect.
Today, as you watch the results of elections that matter to you and you know that a friend or family member is not supporting the same candidate as you, remember to “encourage one another and build up each other.” (Thessalonians 5:11) It is OK to disagree however, remember that it is by your love of one another that you will follow what Jesus told us is the greatest commandment.
Prayer For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“The Book of Common Prayer,” page 822
