Responding to the hate and disrespect

Responding to the hate and disrespect - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com

 

It's one thing to say that you promote love, tolerance, inclusion, and equality and then call everyone who disagrees with you a bigot, racist, Nazi, homophobe, xenophobe, Islamophobe, or whatever. Even still it is one thing to say you are taking the high ground and then categorize everyone who disagrees with you as un-American and hateful. Those who are upset that Donald Trump became President are always talking about love and tolerance, but their words and actions are disrespectful, hateful, and intolerant. They put all these wonderful ideals on their websites and then in person they employ the most vulgar and vitriol language and gestures toward those who disagree with them. There is no end to the hatred.

 

I have been asked many times how to deal with this. It is no small question, and there is probably no single answer. I can say that while I did not like most anything that the previous Administration did, and I believed the ex-"president's" actions were extremely bad for our country, never did I do a violent act or commit a public tirade as have these never-do-wells. We, as Americans, must find ways to disagree without being disagreeable and disrespectful. The things that were said, for example, at the women's march in Washington, DC after the inauguration were vulgar and unseemly. I can't imagine how any self-respecting woman would admit being associated with this behavior. This, however, has become the norm.

 

Romans 12:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." We must not allow our good to be spoken of as evil. We must engage because we cannot allow this darkness to overcome our nation-it is a sure demonstration of how the powers of darkness and spiritual wickedness are manifest in the affairs of men. Engaging takes boldness to act and prayer for wisdom. A good rule to follow is found in Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Try to deescalate. Ask questions gently. Specifically, why do you feel that way? Have you researched the facts, both sides of the issue? Is it reasonable to say that everyone who disagrees with you carries a derogatory label? How do problems get solved if you impugn others by calling into question their honor or morals?

 

Remember that your place as a Christian is to lead/show by example. You can be firm, but fair. By asking questions, you can lead a person toward a path of reason. You also are not responsible to win the argument. Some plant seeds, others water, others reap. The Holy Spirit will convict. It's not our job. You are not going to get anywhere by just making them more angry. In fact, escalating plays into their pre-judged position. Ask yourself, "What do I want this person to take away from our conversation?" Proverbs 26:4 says, "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him." And finally, know when to walk away. Proverbs 29:9 says, "If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest." We have an opportunity during times such as these to shine the light of Christ and his wisdom.