It’s over. Some of us are thrilled or cautiously optimistic. Others react with anger and grief. Everyone seems a bit stunned. What now?
We could go back what we’ve been doing for the last year–posting our positions and liking our friends. Is there another option?
Reconciliation, anyone?
Of course! That sounds so good! Bring the nation back together in unity–how could anyone oppose that?
Way back in Biblical times, the prophet Jeremiah protested against other prophets who called for peace without acknowledging the injustice and lawlessness that were making peace impossible. Jeremiah was right. Simply avoiding conflict is no short cut to peace. In our present situation, words have been said, emotions released, and we aren’t going to unsay those words by pretending they didn’t mean anything, or stuff those emotions back down by suggesting we all move on. Reconciliation isn’t a code word for telling opponents to be quiet. Real reconciliation requires real work, and here’s where Christians have something to offer our nation.
For the healing of the nation
First, we have the real story of reconciliation in Jesus’ death and resurrection. The point here isn’t to convert people, asking that they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Let’s remember that he is our Lord and Savior, however. It’s worth saying–Jesus isn’t optional for Christians. His way of love–love for neighbor and enemy, care for the poor and outsider, of hospitality and compassion–it’s not just a hobby. Jesus’ way of life is essential to any attempt at reconciliation, indeed Christ’s way of life is essential to the good life, by any definition.
Jesus offers is an example. Instead of forcing us to be reconciled to God, Jesus empties himself of power and privilege in order to serve. Reconciliation is accomplished through his own sacrifice, death that defeats death and leads to life. None of this is optional. Which tells us how reconciliation works.
Reconciliation isn’t surrender. Instead of blaming others and demanding they change, following Jesus means we sacrifice our selfish ways in order to have life. Power is to be used in service, and community is built by hospitality. Christians struggling to build an inclusive community know this.
The second gift we have to offer our fractured country is courage. We know what to fear (losing God’s grace) and what not (losing our reputation, making people mad, disagreeing, etc.). Reconciliation that builds community and doesn’t just silence the opposition will require the courage to listen and acknowledge the experiences of others. We have to have courage to engage conflict, to hear about be changed by what we hear. We might even have to repent. Be brave–Christ defines us, not politics.
Putting faith into play
So, with all these resources, what are we going to do? How can we set an example, rooted in Jesus’ way? How do we tell our children what really matters? And how do we reconcile? Whose story can we hear? Who do we need to see as deserving of human dignity? What selfish ways do we put aside in order to make space?
No matter how you feel about the election, there are unknowns and much to fear about the future. But we know where fear belongs and who we are supposed to be. So, in the name of Christ, what are we going to do?