A Thought about the Debate Last Night

When it comes to political discussions with friends and family, don’t do what they did last night.

Don’t resort to name-calling.

They both did it.

I’m not saying these two men should live up to a Christian standard, unless they are claiming to be followers of Jesus and seeking to live by his commands. But if you are a follower of Jesus, listen to what Jesus said about name-calling and follow his guidance. (If you’re not a follower of Jesus, consider his wisdom.)

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22)

“Raca,” if you look at the footnote in the NIV, is an Aramaic term of contempt. Only one of the candidates actually used the word “fool,” as far as I noticed, but both were guilty of using words of contempt.

Don’t use contempt and name-calling in political discussions with friends and family. That also applies when talking with friends and family with whom you agree about the people with whom you disagree.

I need help on this. I really fall prey A LOT to ascribing “insanity” to people with whom I disagree vehemently. It’s my go-to word. And it’s contemptuous.

Here’s the other thing they did that we shouldn’t do in political discussions with friends and family.

I don’t really need to tell you, because you’d have to be insane not to have figured it out yourself.

Oops!

Don’t talk over someone. Instead, listen, ask questions, and seek to understand the other person.

You might say that being aggressive and talking over someone is necessary to win in today’s political climate. But I’m talking about conversations with friends and family. I’m not making a political comment.

James, the brother of Jesus, put it this way: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

You can feel strongly about things. You can have strong opinions. You can make your point.

I’m not saying don’t argue or debate or fight to win.

I’m just saying we should argue, debate, and fight biblically.

For a host of reasons, I don’t want to go back to a world where friends and family didn’t talk about religion or politics……But sometimes I miss it.

Hey, one last thing. Join me each day around 5pm for prayer on Facebook Live. You don’t have to do it live. It sits there in my feed. This week I’m praying about politics.