I would like to preface this by putting all opinions and political beliefs aside. The fact of the matter is that the United States of America has a new president and it is Donald Trump. To some people, this is a terrifying phenomenon, and to some, this is a victorious time. If had gone Clinton's way it would be the same, some would be horrified and others would be celebrating.

Scrolling through social media over the past few days has been something less than tasteful. Hateful words are coming from both sides, and the severe division within our country is more evident than ever before. But this is dangerous. In their post-election speeches Trump, Clinton, and Obama all emphasized the need for our country to unify, to put an end to this season of continual argumentation and harsh words.

Regardless of your opinion of Trump, he is our president and we have to accept that. However, this is not the end of the world. While it is true that as President, he has substantial power, Trump is not a god. He is still a human just like the rest of us. God is still the ultimate Controller.

God is still working out His perfect plan for our country. God is still working and moving in each and every one of us, no matter what your political beliefs. His power has not changed. Any stress that we feel towards the government is not going to change the result or the fact that He is greater.

Furthermore, calling out the other side and throwing around foul language really doesn't do anyone any good either. What our country needs most right now is to be empathetic with one another, to be able to look past the views of those on the other side, realizing that our identity is not found in politics, it is found in Christ alone.

We need to stop with the hate speech, and instead of rebuking the other side, we must be gentle with one another. As it says in Proverbs, "A soft answer turns away wrath but harsh words stir up anger… a gentle tongue is a tree of life" (Proverbs 15:1, 4). Fighting hate speech with more words of anger only promotes negativity and creates further divisiveness, this is the last thing our country needs right now. How much easier is it to be gentle and use words that can literally give life to those around us.

We are all humans and we are all entitled to our beliefs. But no one deserves to be attacked by the speech of another. Every person, in all areas of the political spectrum, has feelings that are precious and do not deserve to be hurt. It is important that before we go posting on social media that we realize how much our words matter and how posting something can negatively affect those around us.

I am proud that at Pepperdine, rather than riots and protests, students have banded together. The day after the election, two girls brought students of any and all kinds of political opinions together and wrote kind words in chalk outside of freshman housing. They wrote things like, "You are loved and accepted in the kingdom of God" (as shown below) along with many encouraging Bible verses. They used this time of confusion to turn to God and see each other as He sees us, all humans in need of love. They spoke love. I believe what these girls started is something the rest of the country should do in this time as well.

Jesus Calling, written by Sarah Young through the view of God; "The true question is not whether you can cope with whatever happens, but whether you and I together can handle anything that occurs."

So yes, it happened, Trump won the election. But God is saying that we should not question if we can handle it. Just like it is not a question of whether Trump can handle this role. It is a question of whether God with you, me, the president, and everyone in this country can band together to handle it. And of course, the answer is always yes, with His mighty hand.

God is always with us, and our identity will always be found in Him, not in politics. See humans as humans, not as enemies. And most importantly, use your words to preach love and gentleness, to unify our nation.