Last week marked a historical and horrific moment for our country with the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump. We may never know the full motive or story of the would-be assassin. We can all agree that he did not agree with or like the former world leader.
At some point, his disagreement with Trump turned into bitterness. His bitterness turned into hate, and his hate turned into violence.
This tragic downward spiral not only ended his life but the life of an innocent American. His hate of and his actions towards his perceived enemy had catastrophic consequences.
As America reels from this tragic day, what can we learn from it?
In life, we will all face disagreements. That’s a fact. But we must be careful not to let them become dangerous disagreements.
Here are three steps you can take when dealing with dangerous disagreements.
Keep it golden.
When facing disagreements and our emotions start rising, it’s easy to forget the words of Jesus.
He said, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
We call this “The Golden Rule” because it has extraordinary value. It is the single most accepted life principle throughout the world. For the Christian, it is a life mandate.
Be calm, be kind.
An ancient proverb teaches us that “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”(Proverbs 15:1)
Anger responding to anger never ends well. No one ever says, “Thank you for yelling at me; it helped me calm down.”
That’s why we must be calm and kind. We are to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Love your enemy.
Disagreements become dangerous when love for the opposite side is left out.
The world often teaches that we are to hate and despise our enemies. But that lifestyle is the opposite of what Jesus teaches.
He said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)
In a culture that pushes us to loathe, hate, and sometimes even kill those who disagree with us. Jesus teaches us to love.
But to love your enemy, to do good to them, is impossible in and of ourselves. Our sinful nature drives us to hate.
That’s why we need the power of the Holy Spirit living inside us. It’s why we need Jesus. Only through his power alone can we do the impossible and love our enemies.
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