“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”—Romans 15:5 (NLT)

No matter what the outcome is of the election here in the U.S. on Tuesday, it will not be a surprise to God. As Christians, whether or not the candidate we voted for is chosen, we accept it. We don’t spread negativity. This is a time for us to be a light in the darkness.

The church I am attending did a study on the book of Ephesians called, United.   I have no doubt that it was not a coincidence that this has coincided with the upcoming election. Now more than ever not just in the USA but also in and with other countries, we are in need of unity.

When we speak, we should be displaying fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we walk in these fruits of the Spirit, others will take notice. The following song was brought to my mind as I was writing this post. They'll Know We Are Christians (We Are One In the Spirit)  by Jars of Clay. Am I walking in the fruits of the spirit? I have to admit, there have been times when I drove by someone’s house that I know and saw a sign in their yard and my initial thought was, How could they vote for that person? This led to disappointment for me to see who they were supporting.

I have even had feelings of anger when I heard or read stories about property being destroyed because of a sign/flag in someone’s yard supporting a particular candidate. I think, What is wrong with our country? How can there be such hatred for a person’s opposing view? We must be living in the end of times. I know…not quite the positive Christian attitude that God desires for me to have. While I am not proud of those feelings, I am human and thankfully serve a God of love, grace and mercy who forgives not just me but all of us when we confess our sins.

When election results are final, will the above song be witnessed in me? Will others know we are Christians by our love? Are we praying that one day all unity will be restored? Can we walk with each other hand in hand? These lyrics are what I need to be singing as a reminder of how I need to be living. I want to see unity among believers and not division. 

It will get heated with whatever the election results are. Our choice is to either be part of the problem or part of the solution. If who I voted for doesn’t win the election, I don’t get angry, cry or think about all of the “what-ifs” with that person as our country’s leader. I get off of social media so I don’t angered by the negativity, gloating and tearing down of the candidate that did win. I pray for our new leaders whether or not they are from the political party in which I identify. As a Christian, this is what we are called to do….unify not divide.

Despite our differences, God wants to see His children living in harmony among one another. What can you do this week that will make your love for Jesus evident to those that may not have the same beliefs as you? I have a bag full of hand knit gifts that I plan on sharing with whoever God lays on my heart. I look forward to where and who God will lead me to shine His light through loving like Jesus.

 Dear Lord, 

Please forgive me when I have resentment toward those that don’t think as I do. Help me to accept and love those that are displaying hate and anger toward others whose beliefs are not the same as theirs. I lift up the newly elected and current leaders of our country. I pray for unity among other believers and those that are bringing discord. Your Word tells us to pray for our enemies. Give me the strength to do this. You are bigger than election results. None of this takes You by surprise. You are in control and I trust You to continue to use me as a light in the dark corners of the world. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen. 

November Memory Verse:

I thought Romans 12:18 was the perfect verse for me to imprint on my heart for this month. I am called to live in peace with EVERYONE, not just those that think and act as I do. We can not be a light in the dark if we are acting as the world does when things don’t the way we desire.

 “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”—Romans 12:18 (NLT)

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