Our nation is extremely divided as we approach the end of man’s rule upon this earth and eagerly await the return and the reign of Christ. Right now, the world is breaking up into many factions and political parties, and each one hates all the others. But it should not be true of Christians. We are told to “respect and to treat all men honorably.” (1 Peter 2:17)How can we be examples of Christ and hate others? The apostle Paul reasserts this: “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:19 & 23)
Increasing divisions and hatred have spread to almost all nations on earth. Here is a passage from the Gospel of Matthew that instructs us to act in the contrary: “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Even though we do not agree with what people do and believe, we must not treat them as enemies. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.“
True Christians are not obedient to any faction or political party; they are true to Jesus Christ. We are not Democrats or Republicans, Liberals or Conservatives. Above all other affiliations, we are Monarchists: We pray, wait for, and long for the reign of God on Earth. Our calling is to invite everyone to join us in this faith and to receive eternal life. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
More than any law, rule or commandment, we are to love others. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Mark Baird
