Hurting in the Aftermath of the Election

I’m writing to you today because of the deep hurt that is being felt among us in the aftermath of the recent election. Sadly, much of that hurt is coming from us slandering each other and stripping each other of dignity and respect. This should not be! We are God’s people and are to represent him even in conflict with one another. Have we forgotten how to resolve conflict in a healthy, mature, and loving way? Have we forgotten that it is okay for Christians to not see eye to eye on every issue?

It is okay to debate. It is even okay to have a heated debate. But it is never okay to slander one another. If a friend of yours or someone you admire for their relationship with Jesus voted differently than you and caused you to feel disappointed and hurt, reach out to them privately and have a conversation. Work to get a better understanding of why they voted for the candidate who disgusted you and concerned you for the future of this country. Don’t assume that your friend who voted for Trump is a racist and uneducated. Don’t assume that your friend who voted for Clinton is a baby killer and liar. Those assumptions hurt deeply.

I have had the privilege of hearing the hearts of some of my Christian friends who voted differently than me. Their beliefs, passions, and concerns are deeply felt, valid…and are to be respected. They firmly believed that Clinton represented the platform that offered the most hope in addressing the passions of their heart. They do not need to “move on” or “get over it” now that the election is over. Asking them to do that is the same as asking them to stop feeling and to stop caring about the things that matter most to them. They are allowed to protest peacefully and not have their salvation be questioned. They are allowed to hurt and grieve and be concerned for the future of their loved ones. As their fellow brothers and sisters, we should be strengthening and encouraging them, not kicking them to the ground with our words.

Likewise, those in our family who voted for Trump did so because we believe he represents the platform that offers the most hope in addressing the passions of our hearts. Our beliefs, passions, and concerns are deeply felt, valid…and are to be respected. We should not have our salvation questioned or be accused of agreeing with the things Trump has said or done that do not represent Christ well.

Both candidates are deeply flawed people. Compared to God, we are all deeply flawed people. It is time we humble ourselves. God says to us, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). 

Brothers and sisters in Christ, now more than ever, we need to humble ourselves, repent, have each other’s backs, and pray. Stop the slander! Our enemy, the devil, is so satisfied with the division he’s seeing among us. He knows that if we keep tearing each other down, we will be too weak, too hurt, too angry and too bitter to accomplish anything for God’s kingdom.

Let’s remember that no matter who is king of the United States, Jesus is King of the world. When we can’t agree about the things of this earth, let’s continue to agree in the Lord. The apostle Paul writes, “As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2). Also, “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

I beg of you, please stop the slander and division. If you have sinned against a brother or sister, please ask them today for their forgiveness so we can begin to heal. We are the people of God and we have work to do. 

Anna Frye is a speaker, author, television host and founder of the Chosen and Crowned tribe. She invites moms and wives to celebrate imperfect progress fueled by the grace of a perfect God. She helps women bravely talk about the messy places of life, instead of hiding shamefully under them. She believes that lasting beauty comes when women courageously surrender their ashes to God and allow him to do something mind-blowingly amazing with them. If this resonates with you, then you belong with the Chosen and Crowned tribe. Connect at www.ChosenAndCrowned.com/blog