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Word of the Week

Word of the Week: Division

In reviewing prayer requests this week, I couldn’t help but notice that several prayer requests this week centered around our national election last Tuesday. Several of these were very thoughtfully written, and even wondered about their own individual role in promoting healing. One mused about why we didn’t mention these things in prayer up front. Good thought there. Perhaps in avoiding the political we missed a corporate prayer opportunity.

Like many people, the results of last week’s election came as a complete surprise to me. I had emotionally prepared for a different result. While I’m not surprised that avid supporters of Secretary Clinton’s campaign were disappointed, I was surprised by the protests, and in some cases, violence. I was also surprised by the social media reaction of many of my young friends who opposed President-elect Trump’s campaign. Many of them were clearly very upset and grieving. Some believers in minority communities expressed angry dismay that so many white evangelicals supported Trump. They felt abandoned and misunderstood. I didn’t expect all of that.  I had a confused reaction to it all.

Those of you who ask for prayer are in the right mindset. Clearly our nation is painfully divided in this moment. It comes right into our homes, as families have bitter differences of opinion about the outcome. Prayer for the mercy and healing of God is very appropriate. No matter what your vote was, please pray for your leaders! Pray for peace among people on both sides.

We can do more to be instruments of peace. Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner, and that means that pointed discussions of the results of the national election will be served up right alongside the turkey, ham, and gravy. The discussions will get hot enough to warm leftovers. As ones saved by pure grace, what can our role be to bring healing?

James encourages us, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).  I witnessed an example of this in a recent gathering. A younger person expressed dismay and grief at what had transpired. A mature saint discussed God’s sovereign control. Soon that more senior person apologized for not taking seriously the pain and grief the other person felt. It was beautiful humility.  I too was convicted of my lack of love. It may have even helped heal some pain.

Take time to listen. Ask people to expound upon their fears and anger. Of what are they most afraid?  What things are behind their anger? If people are excited about the election, as hard as it might be, ask them to discuss what excites them about our new President. Listen. Ask for clarity. Pray before speaking and without ceasing.

Perhaps, person to person, little by little, we can move on in love. No one knows what the future holds.  I know that we will need the Lord’s grace, and that we will need one another.

In Him,

Don

Don Ward

Senior Pastor

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