This morning I was reading the book of Romans and I was particularly taken with Paul's words in Chapter 13: "8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Along with my Bible I read the Ancient Christian Devotional and, as a commentary on this passage of Scripture, the editors included these two quotes:
"The rule of love is that one should wish his friend to have all good things he wants to have himself and should not wish evils to befall his friend which he wishes to avoid himself." Augustine
"Therefore, whatever you do, do it for the love of Christ, and let the intention or end of all your actions look to him. Do nothing for the sake of human praises but everything for the love of God and the desire for eternal life." Caeserius of Arles
I think these are good questions to ask ourselves, or, good rules of engagement. As we watch the conventions and debates, as we post our thoughts on Facebook, as we support our candidates- are we doing all these things in love? Are we treating others as we would want to be treated? Are we bringing honor to God in the way we conduct ourselves?
There is a new book out that I want to read this season- Body Broken: Can Republicans and Democrats Sit in the Same Pew? And the thing is, I think we can sit together in the same pew, if, and only if, we treat each other with respect and love. Because, you may not think it's a big deal to criticize and condemn your friend for their political beliefs, but trust me (from personal experience), that your words and demeanor will still be remembered two years later, long after election season is over. Election season is a not a vacuum or a bubble- it is not a free pass to act however we want to. We are still governed by God's law to love and honor and respect.
Finally, and this is more of a side note (maybe), but we honor God when we honor our ruling authorities, whether we voted for them or not. Also from Romans 13, the passage immediately preceding Paul's words on love:
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
Let us always remember that God is sovereign; He establishes those in authority and we are called to honor and respect them, no matter what. So, as we love and honor each other, let us also love and honor our incumbent governing officials.
"The rule of love is that one should wish his friend to have all good things he wants to have himself and should not wish evils to befall his friend which he wishes to avoid himself." Augustine
"Therefore, whatever you do, do it for the love of Christ, and let the intention or end of all your actions look to him. Do nothing for the sake of human praises but everything for the love of God and the desire for eternal life." Caeserius of Arles
I think these are good questions to ask ourselves, or, good rules of engagement. As we watch the conventions and debates, as we post our thoughts on Facebook, as we support our candidates- are we doing all these things in love? Are we treating others as we would want to be treated? Are we bringing honor to God in the way we conduct ourselves?
There is a new book out that I want to read this season- Body Broken: Can Republicans and Democrats Sit in the Same Pew? And the thing is, I think we can sit together in the same pew, if, and only if, we treat each other with respect and love. Because, you may not think it's a big deal to criticize and condemn your friend for their political beliefs, but trust me (from personal experience), that your words and demeanor will still be remembered two years later, long after election season is over. Election season is a not a vacuum or a bubble- it is not a free pass to act however we want to. We are still governed by God's law to love and honor and respect.
Finally, and this is more of a side note (maybe), but we honor God when we honor our ruling authorities, whether we voted for them or not. Also from Romans 13, the passage immediately preceding Paul's words on love:
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
Let us always remember that God is sovereign; He establishes those in authority and we are called to honor and respect them, no matter what. So, as we love and honor each other, let us also love and honor our incumbent governing officials.
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