How long do you keep rubbing someone's nose in a mess? How long do you keep taunting someone for having lost an argument? How long do you talk out of both sides of your mouth, calling for unity, but saying and doing things that do anything but build unity?
Yes, I am referring to the bashing of political rivals on both sides of the aisle. If your candidate lost — get over it! If your candidate won, quit gloating! Things I read online and in social media regarding political rivalries show an immaturity that is shameful for adults to display.
As a pastor, and because of a position I hold within my denomination, I do a great deal of relationship work. In marriage counseling, both sides have to be willing to take responsibility for a current situation. If either side cannot admit to their culpability, the relationship will not heal.
In my denominational work, if there is a problem in a church, the people must be willing to acknowledge that both sides usually have valid points and that those differences may never really mesh. But if they cannot or will not work toward understanding, the church will go through a very emotional and painful split.
Almost everything in our society is based on winning and losing. Winners take all. Losers are just that — losers. And there is some unwritten rule that says losers can be ridiculed.
As long as that mindset persists, healing will never take place. Unity will never be restored. That is a shame because there can be unity in our diversity. We can agree to disagree. We can open our minds to another's point of view to learn something. We can simply say, "You and I have different points of view, but that does not make us enemies."
Jesus did not say, "Taunt your enemies." He did not say, "Belittle your enemies." He did not say, "Kill your enemies." He said to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Why would he say that? Because if you love your enemy and pray for one who persecutes you, they will eventually no longer be your enemy, and the persecution will stop.
There is too much in this world to be enjoyed during our lifetime. Why spend so much of it spewing hatred and malice? It only trivializes the life God has given you to live on this earth.
What is our main purpose in life? To glorify God and enjoy God forever!
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Why Jesus recommended loving your enemies