Since Donald Trump won the 2016 election, the very fabric of our nation has torn. Words and actions have brought out our darker angels. Social media posts tell both sides of the long battle for control of the White House. Some of my friends are deeply troubled by the outcome of this years election. Others are celebrating. I know people who are terribly afraid,  while others feel misunderstood, in the backlash of being labeled a racist.

These last years have been hard on families and friendships. Brothers and sisters, parent and child as well as long term friends, no longer speak to each other. I continue to believe the only way our nation can heal is if we start listening to people who have different political beliefs. Until we hear the pain, we will never understand what lies in the hearts of people we differ with, or the hurts, hopes and aspirations of our neighbors? What is the source of anger that rages? Are there common values that can guide us?

I dare to believe that our Christian faith can show us the way. First of all there is love. Love for God and love for each other. If our nation is to resolve our vast differences, it will be because we take time to listen to each other in love. For in listening we gain empathy, compassion and understanding. We hear the struggles, worries and fear of our neighbors.

Back in the first century, the apostle Paul, wrote to a group of people in the city of Corinth urging them to start living the Christian faith they claimed. In simple eloquence he sent words to bring about understanding and reconciliation, saying, “If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing . . . Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.” I Corinthians 13:1-4

Love includes respect, compassion and caring. Love treats the other as we would want to be treated. Love does not post hateful messages on social media. Love is neither arrogant nor self-righteous.

We say that we are a Christian nation. Perhaps, the best way for us to bridge the distance between us, is for all of us who claim to be a Christian, to live and speak like one.

The author of the book of Hebrews writes, “We ought to see how each of us may best arouse others to love and active goodness.” Hebrews 10:24 REV Indeed, may we arouse each other to love and active goodness. May we work for justice, compassion and love to prevail, whatever our political persuasion. 

*A version of this post was first published as Noisy Gongs or Christ Centered Love? Living as a Christian Nation in the Post Election World of 2016, November 14, 2016