Romans 14:1
Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.(CSB)

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. (The Message)

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We live in the Bossypants Generation. Especially in this election season, everyone seems to have strong opinions about everything. Every politician is prepared to fight and says so every time he or she takes to the airwaves or sends a mailer. We received two flyers from the same politician yesterday. She has both fists up.

Politicians want to fight, which leads to their followers putting up their dukes. Spin doctors fill every newscast with more evidence of the other side’s evil. Fight, fight, fight is no longer a football cheer; it has become a tired and predictable political sneer. 

I wonder what God thinks of all our fighting. 

The Apostle Paul helps us at this point. He wrote extensively to another Bossypants Generation. He gave them 1 Corinthians 13 and Romans 13 and 14. To people who argued about everything, he said, “Stop it.” (See Romans 14:1 above.)

Eugene Peterson’s The Message paraphrase is rich in its clarity:

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

Gentleness is the way. Kindness is the path. Mutual understanding expresses the love we are increasingly shaped by as deepening and abiding followers of Jesus. 

Kindness, gentleness, and love may not get us elected, but they will build a better world. Less arguing and less fighting work wonders for mental health and holiday meals. Put down your dukes. Flex your fingers in comforting expressions. Speak calmly. Love deeply. 

Also, let me know when it is safe to listen to the radio and television again. I don’t want to get beat up again. 

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I will treat others with kindness and gentleness, even in political matters.

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