How to Love Others with Different Political Views

There is a lot of love in the world. However, we need to constantly be reminded of love. During the last few weeks with an election upcoming in the United States, it seems as though we have lost the value of love. Many people, it seems, are forgetting the way that Jesus lived. Jesus dined with the sinners. Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for water at the well. Jesus had the children come to him. Jesus healed even when the person felt unworthy.

Yet, today in our politically-charged climate, we are ending friendships over political beliefs. We are breaking up our families over political beliefs. We are throwing stones at people who have different political beliefs that we hold. However, throughout the Bible, we do not see Jesus slamming doors on people or relationships due to their beliefs. So why are we ending relationships or throwing the stones on relationships with others all because they do not hold the same beliefs as us?

We can say that we love people, but if that's true, then why do some say they we will never speak to a person again for voting for a certain party? How can we say we truly love someone if we are not willing to spend time with the person due to their beliefs? The truth is that Jesus did not say "I cannot associate with you because you agree with the Romans, or because you a religious Jew and do not follow Jewish law." The truth is, Jesus allowed those difficult conversations in a matter where there was respect. Jesus used loved to have conversations.

In politically sensitive environments, we need to use love to speak to others about matters on which we disagree. When people do not like our beliefs – political, religious, or lifestyle -- we must continue to show those people love. We must show that life is more than just agreeing with each other. By continuing to show people love, we are planting seeds of change. It is even more important for us to know that love is more than one's political, religious, or lifestyle beliefs. Love allows us to see people as God made them.

Most importantly, we need to ask ourselves the question: "Would Jesus stop loving us for our beliefs -political, lifestyle, or for voting against His views?" The answer is no. Jesus does not stop loving us. Instead, Jesus calls us to repent and continue to come home to Him. During these politically turbulent times,  I encourage you to think about being like Jesus. While it will not be easy, it is important for everyone to experience love, regardless of their opinions.