How to heal the country’s wounds

“The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.”– George Washington, January 9, 1790

The great American experiment is the unlikely attempt to maintain a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Unlike all governing authorities leading up to the time of our Founding Fathers, the leaders of the United States don’t govern the people, the people govern our leaders.

We’ve just come through another election and the beautiful experiment lives on. There will be another peaceful transfer of power. This is an astounding phenomenon, especially considering the nearly unlimited resources at the disposal of our elected representatives. To freely relinquish their hold on power cannot be easy. The fact that it happens is a testament to the strength and wisdom of our Constitution.

The differences in worldview, and policies between the Parties couldn’t be more stark. While every election campaign is contentious, the one we’ve just lived through was unprecedented in the way it played out and the tactics that were employed. These differences are heightened through 24/7 news outlets that stoke the flames of division in order to attract viewership. Family, friends and neighbors who support the “other” party, have come to be viewed not just as those who hold to different opinions, but who are viewed as immoral, even evil. While our Constitution will hold us together, it feels as though we have a national open wound. I’d like to share some thoughts that might be helpful to bring healing.

First, hold your tongue. Those whose side lost will be tempted to lash out at their opponents and those whose side won will be tempted to rub it in. Especially in this age of social media we would do well to take to heart the encouragement from Proverbs 17:27:“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”

Second, hold your relationships as more important than holding your ground.“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) I don’t mean that we should let go of our convictions, but we shouldn’t demand that others see things as we do in order to live in peace with them.

Third, hold to a faith in the good-will of each other. We need to believe that each one believes what they do because they sincerely think that it’s right and best.“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3) If we don’t demonize one another, we have the potential to openly discuss and debate without it devolving into hatred.

And lastly hold to a confidence that the Father-of-All-Things is able to work out His good purposes in spite of the brokenness of all human governors.“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

If we hold on to these qualities I believe we can bring healing to the country’s wound, and the Great American Experiment will continue to flourish.