NOTE: While most of the readers of this on our Facebook page are from the United States, interestingly, most who read here on the webpage are from elsewhere across the globe. While I am not familiar with the political situation where you might be reading this, the American political landscape has become increasingly divided in recent decades. My hope is that we may see beyond what divides us and find common ground in Jesus.

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 1-2

Highlight Verses:

“Then David composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan, and he commanded that it be taught to the people of Judah. It is known as the Song of the Bow, and it is recorded in The Book of Jashar.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One Memorial Day when I lived in Virginia, I was in Washington DC for the weekend and happened to visit Arlington National Cemetery. There were crowds streaming toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier so, curious, I followed the crowd.

I found myself trapped in the amphitheater and forced to witness the Memorial Day speech of the then current President.

I did not like that President.

I was of the opposing party and I disliked much of what he did as President.

But that day, he brought respect to those who had given their lives to create and defend the United States.

I respected that.

It brought me new respect for the man.

I still wouldn’t vote for him, but he was the duly elected President of the United States and I fully respected the office.

Saul was the anointed King of Israel.

He did many things that David didn’t approve of, not the least being attempting to kill him.

But David had great respect for God’s appointment and wasn’t afraid to show it.

If we were to show respect for those who politically oppose us, we might be surprised at how much more peaceful our lives would be.

I’m not asking for people to go against their political convictions.

But we don’t have to be nasty towards our political opponents and their followers.

In fact, the more respect we show them, the more likely they are to listen to us.

In what ways can we show respect toward our political opponents without compromising our values?
How have you been able to bridge the political gap among your friends or family?