It has been nearly one week since America chose its new president for the next four years. It has been a week filled with much thought, emotion and conversation- both good and bad. Social media has blown up with rants from both sides regarding why the country is saved from the baneful evil that is the Democratic party, and why the United States is perpetually screwed for subjecting itself to a united, Republican government.

What many of us seem to have forgotten, though, is that the government is not the solution to our problems. While it is important to be well informed about the issues that face our country, and vote according to our morals in attempt to try to resolve them, our political views should not be the most important part of our lives.

This was no doubt an important election, and many feel victorious in the outcome- others, defeated. The contrast in feelings have created quite a divide between members of the Democratic and Republican parties. Every time I open social media, I see more and more hateful posts and comments about the other side - many even from fellow Christians.

It is okay to be excited and relieved that the candidate that you liked won. It is okay to disagree with the other side. It is not okay, however, to treat those who supported the losing candidate with disrespect or hate. Mark 12:30-31 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ’s love out into the world, so that others may know the truth. How can we possibly do this when we are wrapped up in our own pride, and convinced that the other party is made up of ignorant morons who are incapable of seeing things correctly?

At the core of each person’s political views are genuine fears, concerns and a desire for progress. It is often easy to forget this, but acknowledging it is the first step toward being able to love people who hold views different from our own. Everyone has different ideas about how to resolve the problems that the country is faced with, and that is okay.

For those of us who are satisfied with the outcome of the election: it is our job to love those who are hurting and afraid of what the next four years will look like. We should be giving them reasons to feel okay about the future, despite the fact that a candidate will be in office that plans to make changes that could greatly impact their lives. We should be acting in such ways that make them see Christ in us, and form a desire in them to want to know Him too.

It is important to hold firm beliefs and advocate for positive change. It is crucial, however, to remember that behind each vote for the candidate that you disliked were real human beings with real feelings. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” So many problems within our society would be fixed if we treated others with kindness and compassion.

The easiest and most powerful way to bring about progress within our country is to act lovingly toward each other, showing others the love of Jesus. Donald Trump cannot save our country, but we can, if we choose to love those around us.