First of all, please know that I am fully aware that many, many people will not like this or agree with it. Second, I am okay with that. Third, I am not trying to condemn anyone, so please don't think that is what this article is about.

I was blessed to be raised in a home by two of the best people, who loved us and more importantly they love God. We were taught to treat other people with respect and love, no matter what they look like or what thy believe in. We were taught to strive to be Christ-like in all circumstances.

There are some days that I do not even want to get on social media because of all the hate people have for each other, and for what? Political opinions?

People are voting for Clinton because they hate Donald Trump, or voting for Trump because they hate Hillary Clinton.

We have become a nation who is electing their Leader, their President, based off of hate.

Does anyone else see how stupid that is?

So I have talked to my parents and have prayed and prayed about what I need to do in regards to this election from the beginning, and I am not going to be voting, but I have so much peace about it.

I want to share a few of the reasons that back up why I made this decision, so here they are.

Neither candidate shows any Christlike qualities. Yeah, their words and actions may be good to someone's standards, but not biblical standards. They only have bad/hateful things to say about one another, which is so unprofessional and definitely not Christlike whatsoever. They are running for POTUS, and they're acting like two teenage girls who like the same boy.

Hillary and Trump both say they want a more unified country, but WE have allowed them to divide us completely because our beliefs aren't the same as the other party. The bible tells us to "love your neighbor as yourself," without any conditions. It does NOT say "love your neighbor as yourself as long as you agree on everything." No matter who is elected, our country will never be great until we're all on our knees, begging God to forgive us for our many, many failures. I refuse to be one who votes simply because I dislike someone less than the other. Choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." - Romans 8:9-13

I know a lot of people say "You're failing your country. You're not practicing your right to vote. You're being a bad citizen." or even "I'm a Christian and I'm voting for Trump" and all that, but my response to those people are that it is my responsibility to honor God above all else through everything that I do, and voting for either party, or even one of the current third party options, would not be honoring Him and who He is.

Once again I would like to say that I am not trying to condemn anyone who chooses to vote for Trump, Hillary, Gary, or someone else. God deals with all of us and our beliefs and convictions individually. But please do not try to biblically justify your vote, because you simply cannot do it in this election.

The truth is that no matter who wins, we are in very bad shape. But I urge those who will read this: Don't lose hope or faith, because Jesus is King and God is in control no matter who is in the White House.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11