My wife, Mary, and I were praying in the church chapel on Good Friday evening.  We were reading various Scriptures appropriate for this night.  I chose to read some parts of 1 Peter on the topic of "suffering for doing good":  Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Reflecting on these instructions in light of the political debate going on in our nation right now, I fear that many Christians believe that the ends are more important than the means.  In other words, getting the right policy in position is the important thing rather than our behavior in getting there.  It seems that anger and hostility are tolerated for Christians in the name of getting the other party (the enemy) out of office.

I certainly believe that we as Christians are called to prayerful involvement in the politics of our nations.  And passion is wonderful.  But I believe our calling to bear witness to our Lord in all things involves not justing winning a point but, maybe more importantly, displaying compassion and humility along the journey.

Both Mary and I are passionate about the pro-life issue.  We pray and speak out on this matter as followers of Jesus.  But I believe Mary also truly reflects the heart of Jesus when she puts the political banner aside for a moment and seeks to do ministry with women who have had abortions and who need God's healing and forgiveness.

...be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Together in Christ,

Pastor Brent