The last few years seem to have brought out the worst in us, and how we relate to one another. Our political divide has created social media mimes for all occasions, and insults to go with them .

What I don’t understand is why anyone, believes that insulting another person’s intelligence, common sense, or value system is going to change that person’s mind and heart.

Most everyone, who is in one of my Facebook friends, name themselves as Christians. Yet, I’m discouraged by posts I see, disparaging others.

Aside from the sheer mean-spiritedness of some of these posts, is a question of why it is posted it all. I’ve never known an insult to change another’s point of view. Most of us get quite defensive when we’re insulted, or somebody tramples on our sense of values. Who wants to listen to the view of a person who mocks us.

There are many ways to express our differences. We can insult, shout at, ridicule, drop mean mimes on social media, or we can sit down and talk with each other. When people of opposing political viewpoints, share a table, we have an opportunity to recognize our commonality. We acknowledge shared hopes, dreams,  and our universal love for family.

Recently, I’ve been listening to a gentle soul who is trying to change the minds of people, he once ministered to.  What I notice most of all, is his gentleness. He does not demean those who disagree with him. He leaves room for thoughtful reflection.

Timothy is admonished, “But as for you . . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” I Timothy 6:11-12

Today, there are political battles to be fought and the advocacy work of fighting injustice to be done. May Christ-like love lead the way, compassion be our guide, respect be in our actions, and God’s wisdom be in our words.