15 Proverbs 15:1 A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.
I have stayed away from all things political in my reflections. There is a time and place for political ponderings, and I didn’t feel that this platform was one of them. I’m going to deviate just a bit from that with my reflection this week.
Recently, I posted an inspirational quote on Facebook. It was simply a reminder that whatever our political views, our actions and words should be grounded in love. I shared this post off of a friend’s page, because I liked the tone and reminder of displaying Christian love.
I was shocked when a FB friend took issue with the post, stating that political positions of a certain party were demonic and that righteous anger was called for. She quoted verses from Matthew 10, where Jesus states that family members will turn against each other. In this passage Jesus states that he has not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Before anyone else could weigh in on the comment section, I just deleted the whole post. It was never my intention to elicit political ire. In the days since this Facebook exchange, however, I have pondered this friend’s response.
Certainly Jesus did express righteous anger during his ministry. I think of his overturning the tables in the temple shortly before his crucifixion. There is a place for righteous anger. I do take issue with calling a certain political party‘s platform demonic though. Those words were hurtful and demeaning.
A valued friend once stated that her take on our political parties is that each gets some things right, but neither gets everything right. I liked that. While I don’t think we need to be bland and mealymouthed about our opinions, I do believe we are called to watch our tongue and choose our words wisely. Above all, may our words reflect love, respect, and dignity.
Blessings,
Diana Kongkeattikul
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