I love you (so much), but I don’t want to see another post about how much you loathe Donald Trump. Or can’t stand Cruz. Or just despise Hillary Clinton.
These posts make me cringe on your behalf. Not because I support any one of them, but because I totally support YOU, and this isn’t your best self.
My next-door neighbor supports Donald Trump. Not in a rabid or militant way, but in a quiet and personal way. I think of this honorable man when the articles you share imply that Trump supporters are blind and stupid.
My neighbor is not blind or stupid. He is exceptionally thoughtful, and always respectful. And so when I read your article I cringe for you – and for your considerable lack of respect and thought.
Our words (if we are Christians) are to reflect the truth, the grace, and the wisdom of God. We are not to think too highly of ourselves, or insist on our own way. Instead, we are called to be pockets of heaven in this ‘not-yet-heaven’ world.
We can’t use our prophetic voices for truth, friends, without it being rooted in great love for God and neighbor. Without love we sound like clanging gongs.
Christians are called to make beautiful, hospitable, and safe places for our neighbors to experience the goodness of God. Politics and social media are not excluded! Our words and actions are to ‘extend the garden’ into all the dry and barren places. Are we helping our neighbors flourish, even if they don’t align exactly with our side?
What if we said: “Obviously, friends, heaven hasn’t ‘officially’ come. BUT! This is how people will speak, act, and post on social media when it does! Surprise!”
That would probably be our very best self.
Because God’s kingdom HAS come, and his light is pressing out into all the darkness through his people. We are a part of this new kingdom, not just in church on Sunday, but in all the ‘secular’ spaces we inhabit during the week.
The people of God are called to establish ‘God in our midst’ everywhere we go, online or off. What would it look for us to embody ‘God in our midst’ to our neighbors this political season?
It might look like our very best selves.
Peace to you,
Kim
Given Breath 
I am convicted by your words !!Thanks for helping me remember to be light in the darkness rather than joining in the fray.
Peace to you and yours, Patricia. Thanks for the note:)
I am not a Christian but, regardless, appreciate your perspective.
Oh I so agree! I stay quiet – but it disappoints as well to see this side of people! well said.
I know you don’t have time to read many things like this, but this is so very good and I intend to send it as a reply to Christians who “don’t show their best self.” >
Diana,
Thank you for reading, and especially for commenting. Thank you also for not throwing the baby (me) out with the bathwater (the fact that I can’t seem to write one single post without mentioning God). I appreciate you as a reader, and please know that you help me think as I write. Peace to you and yours.
Thanks, Beth. Peace to you and all of yours.
Hi Denise – did you intend this for me? Peace to you…
AAAMEN, sister, thank you so much for speaking the truth! In love!
Love this, Kim! What a fresh & encouraging reminder, “Our words and actions are to ‘extend the garden’ into all the dry and barren places.” Thank you!
Thank you for the awesome reminder how we should always show Christ in every aspect of our life!! That we need to be so careful what words come out of us in this dark world.
Absolutely spot on! Thank you for writing this – it’s something we all need to be reminded of!
Love this! Thank you.
Sent by my iPhone because I’m a mom and always on the go. 👸
“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” is the opening line in a favorite poem. It ends with ” But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.”
We all are an open book whether we like it or not. Just makes sense to be our best all the time and pray it makes a difference.
I would agree, but add that it is high time that politicians show their best selves. They have a high calling & responsibility to do so. It baffles me that some politicians who r rude & arrogant get Christian votes. There is at least one in the running who chooses the high road & my vote goes unapologetically w/ him. I don’t care if ppl say. Doesn’t have a chance. I will seek out these high road politicians & pray for them to stay strong. I also pray for the ones who’ve been rude & trash the others they run against so they will let the light of God truly shine thru them. In the mean time, I pray that Christians will truly shine God’s love in dark places & speak the truth in love even if it’s corrective when necessary. God help our nation. Help us all to be kinder, but also speak the truth in love.
That was well said…thank you for sharing!
Reblogged this on Rambling again… and commented:
Beautifully said. These are stressful times, but we are all coming from different perspectives and experiences. And we are all rooted in love, trying to fulfill God’s purpose. Happy to reblog these wise words.