A Kind Disclaimer: As election chatter heats up, I want to make a few comments - 1) I do not agree with nor support every statement that comes through my feed. 2) I find some of the comments and language highly offensive, and I wish everyone would be kinder in their fervor. 3) I have many friends, whom I love, and we care about each other enough to "agree to disagree". 4) As always, I encourage everyone to vote because we are privileged to have this freedom and should not take it for granted. 5) If anyone has any specific questions about my views, you may private message me (and I may or may not reply). Love to all!
The word "kindness" or the phrase "discuss without malice" has been forgotten. When debates over candidates and issues become so heated that we begin attacking other human beings, I say, "Enough!"
"Kindness" appears 65 times in 57 verses in the NIV1. In the King James Bible, the word is translated "lovingkindness". Kindness literally includes a "good sense or zeal towards and among mankind"; its components are mercy, goodness, a mutual benevolence and benefits, and favor.
Attacking another human because of differing opinions, political views, or even religious ideals is not helpful to anyone. Beating someone down verbally is certainly not an effective means of swaying them to another position. In fact, I have found the opposite to be true. Communication stops entirely, and not only is there no shared meaning, but an aggressive permanent hostility is born...and it lasts.
In 2 Samuel 9:3, King David is specifically looking for any kin of Saul's to whom he may "act kindly towards him like unto God." Perhaps, we should be looking for those to whom we may act kindly.
Over and over again, God has shown His grace, favor, and mercy to mankind.2 He has cleared our paths of enemies and made our journeys straight. He has preserved man and beast, when both have deserved harsh punishment or worse. God sacrificed His beloved and only Son, so that we might have eternal life. He has extended mercies and blessings on multiple generations.3 God established His faithfulness to us from heaven itself, yet we are not extending similar mercies to our fellow human beings here on this earth. Again, I say, "Enough!"
In Exodus 34, the God of the Universe described Himself to Moses as, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.”
As we consider candidates and we passionately debate issues, let us do so compassionately and graciously. We, who claim the Lord as our Father, have a responsibility to emulate the love of Jesus. He showed love and mercy to the good, the bad, and the ugly. Only He knows to which category each of us belongs. May we proceed kindly, making our own political choices based upon our consciences and the Lord's leading. May we weigh and discuss issues thoughtfully, gently, and respectfully with the brains and hearts God bestowed upon each of us. May we walk away from malicious attacks and actions. We serve a Sovereign and living Lord, and His will, in His time, will be done.
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13
1. Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for '"kindness"' in the NIV". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2012. 9 Jan 2012. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=kindness&t=NIV >
2. NIV Psalm 5:8; 36:6; 48:10; John 3:16
3. NIV Isaiah 55:3
