Flipbooks

Lutheran Life 11 The Bible is filled with both-and statements that create a tension Christians live in. See how these both- and statements work to bring clarity to the paradoxes in God's Word by asking and telling you what to do in your daily life. cph.org/llresources. FAITH THAT SEES THROUGH THE CULTURE Christians are not immune to this phenomenon. We, too, feel our blood pressure rise during political de- bates. Moral convictions often influence political views, making people hold them even tighter. Political rhetoric has created an us-versus-them men- tality. There are wars going on around the world, yet every election season, we're reminded of the vicious combat taking place right here in our country. It's impossible to not notice all the ads on our television screens, online blogs, and attitudes at the polling booths. But amid this conflict, Jesus says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Jesus doesn't tell us to love those who vote the same way we do or only pray for those who agree with us. No, Jesus tells us to love and pray for our enemies and persecutors! Why would Jesus say this? No other leader or civiliza- tion abides by this rule. There is no expectation for in- teracting this way. Why should Christians seek to show kindness and respect to people they disagree with when that isn't the established rule of engagement? Jesus is all too familiar with not following established rules. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took a towel and poured water into a basin. One by one, He washed His disciples' dirt-stained, smelly feet—surely, an act no other leaders have done for their followers. He even washed the feet of Judas, who was actively plotting to hand Jesus over to the authorities. Immediately after Judas left to do the dirty deed, Jesus instructed the disciples to love one another as He has loved them: "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). This kind of love serves as a sign to the world. Who of us has loved someone who has betrayed us to the point of incarceration and death? There is no exception to whom we are to treat with love. Jesus makes that clear. And yet love does not mean acceptance. Neither does winning an argument equate to earning respect. Listen- ing to a family member's opposing view does not imply your agreement with that person. It may, however, con- vey a level of care that only active listening can impart. Biting your tongue to keep from interrupting a friend who's passionately sharing his point of view does not strip you of your own zeal but may allow the friend- ship to continue for another day. Failing to convince a colleague of your convictions during an hour-long debate doesn't mean you have somehow personally failed. Instead, you may have won a seat at the next conversation. Sometimes, it seems we can forget that all people desire to be loved and respected. So, Jesus reminds us. And He goes one step further. He shows us what love means—undeserved love in the face of opposing views and backstabbing friends. He makes room for differing opinions and vehement debates with His arms outstretched on the cross. He goes on our behalf, pleading with the Father to forgive us for our pettiness and temporal perspective. And He makes a way for reconciliation both with God and with one another. I can't advise you on how to navigate a family dinner with your crazy uncle or a birthday party with your wayward cousin. But I do know Jesus' words to love and pray for one another are a good place to start. In doing so, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain while the world watches on. w

• Cover