... something for which we may all be thankful... Me most of all! :{>

Brent wrote something like (paraphrased): "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other guy dies." That was a few years ago, if memory serves. It's helped in praying for others, and definitely helped when reminding myself, "Andy, you forgave that person."

Hopefully it's not me! If it is: 1) Thank you! 2) I will strive to make your blood boil less. I was lousy at praying for people with whom I disagree until I got older. Maybe it was age? Maybe it was practice? I don't know. I was greatly impacted by something @brento.bsky.social posted.

Regarding those with whom we disagree - our enemies, even - C. S. Lewis stated “If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. That is one of the rules common to the whole house.” 12/12

Christians, first and foremost, I urge you to love God. Second and very near the first, I urge you to love your neighbor. 11/

First and foremost, to be subject to God.

God is God, and the state is not. 10/

Politics is not a result of the fall of man into sin. Civil government was created by God, right along with everything else He created. And, as goes for everything else He created, He commands civil magistrates to behave in a certain manner. 9/

Don't take my word for it, look it up. It's in red in Matthew 28:14. Jesus goes on to command we who follow Him to act a certain way towards nations. God created nations. 8/

Jesus said "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

All.
Authority. 7/

If you're a Christian, our relationship in Christ matters more than politics. If you read that last sentence and believe I said "Politics doesn't matter," you read it wrong. God created politics, and He remains Lord over politics. 6/

It's a temptation.
Resist it. 5/

If your political side was not elected yesterday, I encourage you (and pray that you) resist the urge to lash out at those who voted for their political side and against yours. 4/

We all believe what we believe for reasons that are important to each of us. 3/

If your political side was elected yesterday, and if you've ever pondered how others can vote for people with whom you so vehemently disagree, now you know: Those with whom you disagree feel precisely the way you feel right now. 2/

Many are shocked to learn that the book was released 1 Jan 1954 - well before the introduction of social media, deep fakes, and modern AI. The book remains relevant. :{> 2/2