"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." — Colossians 4:6.
The above verse applies to any and all communication conducted by someone who chooses to follow Jesus. In particular, I think this verse deserves reflection as we enter fully into this election season.
With the Republican National Convention underway, and the Democratic counterpart soon to follow, I've seen the communication of those around me become increasing emotional. Be it rage, sarcasm, sorrow, or any other feeling, the extremes of political discourse seem to be making more and more of an appearance.
Honestly, it saddens me very deeply that we who claim to follow Christ would abandon Scripture's mandate so readily in the face of something as trivial as American politics. I say trivial not because politics do not matter for this world. They matter a great deal, and it is important that we intelligently engage in political discourse. I say trivial because spiritual concerns are infinitely more important than temporal ones. Our spiritual commitments should always outweigh those of this world.
Scripture is very clear about how we are to act towards each other. We are to be humble, patient, and filled with grace. How can we be anything else, with all of the grace we have been shown?
I know that during this time it can be very tempting to set down the truth of Scripture as we enter the political arena. I implore you, however, especially if you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, to remember grace. May we set ourselves apart as a generation who brings patient, loving reason back into political conversation. May we deny the fabricated hatred promoted by the world around us. We have available to us grace which covers over acts more atrocious than we can ever hope to comprehend. May we have the humility to be patient and loving with those who offend us in an infinitely less significant fashion.
With God's love and grace,
Taylor
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