Everyone is so angry. Everybody seems to be choosing a side.
Democrat or Republican...
choice A or choice B....
believing one version of a story or the other version...
so many issues to disagree on.
And over the next few
weeks as the midterm elections approach,
I fear it will only get
worse.This is not about choosing sides,
this is about respecting each individual's opinions
and learning to live with each other...
reconciliation, healing, and unity.
Can
we do that?
Can
we as a society turn from division and hate to reconciliation and
love?In the Book of Order1 (Presbyterian Church USA),
there are historical principles that are part of the foundations of church polity.
So before blaming, shaming, ridiculing, or arguing about issues, consider this...
F-3.0101 God Is Lord of the Conscience
a. That “God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the
doctrines and commandments of men2 which are in anything contrary to his Word, or
beside it, in matters of faith or worship.”3
b. Therefore we consider the rights of private judgment, in all matters that respect
religion, as universal and unalienable: We do not even wish to see any religious
constitution aided by the civil power, further than may be necessary for protection and
security, and at the same time, be equal and common to all others.4
Our
decisions, our choices, are hopefully influenced by our conscience;
that
they are formed by thoughtful deliberation, discernment, and prayer.And if my discernment leads me one way, and yours another,
we should be able to respect each others judgments without hate in our hearts.
Can we be in fellowship?
