How Do We Love Our Neighbor When We Disagree?

If you're anything like me, you've struggled to love your neighbor during this election season.

I'm willing to be vulnerable and admit I haven't just struggled, but I've done a pretty terrible job with it.

The current political climate we live in divides, and divides, and divides some more. Rarely do we walk away from a conversation with the other side feeling content. Typically we walk away angry, frustrated, and unable to put ourselves in their shoes.

The best thing that could have happened to me is having a best friend who has opposing political views. As frustrated as I was in the beginning, she taught me that it is possible to love those who we disagree with.

You may be thinking, "Love? Woah that is a big word. I don't think I can even like the other side."

I understand your pain and confusion.

I understand your frustration with the opposing candidate.

I truly do.

But I believe it is possible to love the other side - with no strings attached.

The Bible speaks a TON about love. In fact, one of God's most important commandments to us is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Whether you're Christian or not, loving someone doesn't mean you have to be best friends with them, but at the very least it means you have to show them respect.

I believe most of America will be genuinely shocked at the results of the election. On both sides. We surround ourselves with those who think like us, speak like us, and vote like us. Although unity is comforting, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone.

Try and understand where someone else is coming from.

Put your bias aside and listen.

I have been part of political arguments that have brought me to the point of tears. I have lost sleep over finding out a friend or family member is voting for the other side. I am guilty of judging someone when finding out if they are voting red or blue. This election has left me feeling broken and hopeless more than I can count.

But yet, I still have hope.

I have hope that a majority of our country cares about their neighbors.

I have hope that a majority of our country is voting for who they believe will best serve our country.

I have hope that my generation now understands the importance of their civic duty to vote and use their voice!

If this election has taught us anything, it is that we all have a voice and should not be afraid to use it.

Call me crazy, but I believe we can still look beyond party lines to find common ground.

I believe we can love each other despite our differences.

I believe we can focus on what we have in common with others, instead of where we differ.

If our agenda is strictly to convince the other side that they are wrong, nobody wins.

Loving the other side doesn't mean not standing up for what you believe in. Loving the other side means sharing our own beliefs to push and sharpen others in their own ideology.

It doesn’t mean we can’t fight for what we believe is right or fight for justice... but it does mean we have to step back and reflect on how we treat the other side.

How will we treat our neighbor if we win on Tuesday?

How will we treat our neighbor if we lose?

Although one outcome is more favorable than the other, the answer remains the same: love your neighbor.