Everyone and their sister is weighing in on the outcome of the election. Lots of words from folks on both sides of the aisle about what the results will portend for our nation's future. And of course the truth is, none of us really know. We can read the tea leaves, we can see hints from promises made during the contentious election season, we can guess based on past behavior.
Surely you do not need any words from me about why things played out the way they did and what we should prepare ourselves for as the new year unfolds.
Nonetheless, I want to say this:
If you are a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, you are called to make special effort to love your neighbor.
Period. The end. Full stop.
There is no political exception to this most important commandment. We don't get an out because our person isn't in the White House or because our person is. We don't get an out because we are happy our party is in power or unhappy it isn't. We don't get an out because of a policy position we like. We don't get an out just because our chosen candidate speaks with hateful words, so shouldn't we get permission to do the same?
We don't get an out.
As we breathe in the air of change that is blowing strong right now, if we claim the name of Christ as our own, we are commanded to look around, to put our ears to the ground, and to open our hearts to the cries of those among us who are afraid, worried or troubled about what the future could mean for them, for their families, for their very lives.
Immigrants.
Women.
People of color.
Anyone in the LGBTQ community or who loves someone who is.
Doctors, librarians, teachers, etc.
People struggling to survive.
And more ...
Do you know someone expressing fear?
Christians, Jesus calls us all to cross the street, drive over the bridge, traverse the divide, set our personal opinions aside and love our neighbor.
Listen to their concerns.
Validate their fear.
Acknowledge their pain.
Ask how we can help.
And if this message feels convicting or if we think it doesn't apply to us because "no one should be afraid right now, bunch of whiny snowflakes" or any variation on that theme, I invite us to open our New Testament to any of the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - and start reading. If any of us can find an "out" from the call to sacrificial neighbor love, let me know.
I doubt any of us will.
Jesus closed the door on any kind of loophole on this one no matter who sits in the Oval Office.
With division running rampant these days, this one thing should unite followers of Christ across the spectrum.
The sad thing is, I am honestly unsure it will.
