310 – I’m Not Like You But I Support you

#faithbites #faithjourney Support

Today was election day in the US. A time for people to vote, to voice their opinions, and set the course for the next few years. Yesterday, we talked about being a Christian and voting. Today we will talk about acknowledging the difference in people and still supporting them.

I went to the polls this morning with my eldest to cast a vote. As I was leaving, a friend said to me “I voted for you, even though I’m not a Libertarian”. I thanked the friend and then thought about that. This is a metaphor for so many things in our lives. We don’t have to be like someone to love them. We don’t need to be in the same party, same church, same country, or same anything to see value in them as a person. We should want everyone to be successful as a child of God.

As the election ended and I didn’t win (I’m 1-2 for those keeping score at home) the first thing I did was congratulate my opponent who won and my opponent who lost. It was a three-way race. I also encouraged the winner to work hard for the county and the other opponent to not give up and not be discouraged.

We have these moments when we can look beyond what separates us to find our commonalities and say “I Support You”.

Scripture

• For God does not show favoritism.- Romans 2:11
• Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7

Reflection

God doesn’t tell us to love only those who vote Blue and hate those who vote red. He doesn’t tell us that anyone who votes red is evil. He says to accept one another and that he doesn’t show favoritism. We are also to love our neighbor. These are simple words but can be challenging to act on.

We have a choice in that we can see people who vote different or come from a different group or class as different. It is our choice on how we treat them. My hope is that we look beyond the labels and see what that person has to offer. God made all of us and has a plan for each one. It is up to us in faith to accept others, it doesn’t say like everyone, and treat them with love and respect.

When my friend said they voted for me even though they weren’t Libertarian. That warmed my soul. Cast of the labels and look at the person. You will be happier.

Charge

Tomorrow will be a challenge for some and easy for others. While this may be because of the election, it could just be a good or bad day. Reach out to those you see and accept them and love them, even if they aren’t one of you.

Lord, help me to always see the beauty in people. Let me look beyond the labels and traits that separate us and find your beauty within them.