God and election results

"There is hope for your future," declares the LORD (Jeremiah 31:17).

The elections are over. How satisfied are you with the results? Did the people you supported get elected, or were they defeated? Did a majority of voters agree with you on the various ballot measures? Are you happy or disgusted?

The people who won will now say that it is time for us to set aside our differences and work together for the sake of the future. And I agree. But how is that even remotely possible? With all the negative campaigning, all the lies, all the words of hatred and fear mongering, how can America find peace through unity?

Jesus gave us the answer 2,000 years ago on the cross—He said, Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing (Luke 23:34). The Son of God suffered and died for one reason—to forgive our sins so we can be united in love. And He calls on us to follow His example—Jesus said, Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7). Paul wrote, Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Forgiveness is essential in order for relationships to have a future. Forgiveness leads to reconciliation. And forgiveness is what this country needs to heal the wounds of a divisive election. Most candidates and their supporters have told lies and warped the truth in order to get elected. It is time for every person who is guilty to ask Jesus to forgive them. Then, bolstered with God’s love, they need to reach out and apologize to those they hurt. The more this happens, the quicker our political wounds can start to heal.

The worst part of these past months has been the fear mongering—the thought that if voters got it wrong, America is doomed. I’d like to remind you of something quite important—your votes can’t wreck the future. The results of this election can’t wreck the future. Regardless of what we do, God is in control. He is infinitely wise, infinitely loving, and infinitely powerful. There is no mess we can make that He cannot clean up. So if you are concerned with this year’s election results, pray to God and entrust the future to Him.