The election is over, and you have had your moment of relief. Clinton did not win. However, if you are like me, a twinge of nervousness persists. Trump is president. But now you are mainly annoyed and sick of all the talk about the election. Liberals are panicking, sobbing, protesting, and even rioting. You are feeling a little defensive, having been called sexist, racist, homophobic, and a bigot by numerous liberals, whether over media or in person. So now you just want people to calm down, have the country to finally put its act together, and have God bestow a thousand miracles upon liberals so that they finally convert and you don't have to defend your faith anymore.
I get it. I'm with you. But . . .
I know so many leftists who are suffering greatly right now, petrified at the thought of a Trump presidency, and it is so easy to simply resort to rolling our eyes at them, to call them "spoiled Millennials," and to point out various ironies in their behaviors. But we are better than this.
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . ." (Mt 5:44)
Yes, we all know this verse and have had it preached to us over the years. But we seriously need to take to heart this verse right now and reflect on what it means and what behavior it requires from us. Now is not the time to gloat or scoff. Go out and love those who are hurting right now, whether it is by simply being present to friends who are distressed about the election results or by changing the conversation once people start criticizing liberals for their reaction to the election. And most importantly, pray for them. Only God can grant grace and change minds, but we can certainly plant seeds and beg Him for the conversion of those blinded by the things of this world.
Secondly, do not placement judgement on anyone. Yes, to many of us, the reaction to the election almost seems like a huge temper tantrum. But you do not know how you would react if you were in the same shoes as these people. Are their reactions morally right? No, definitely not. But again, it is not our place to judge; we are called to love. So let's not post numerous memes making light of the leftists or write an emotionally-packed rant on social media about the election.
I want to leave you with this advice from a book beloved by many:
"Do not be concerned about who is on your side or who is against you; just be sure that God is with you. If your conscience is clear, be sure that He will defend you. The malice of others can never harm you as long as He is by your side."
~Thomas A Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
