Chaos in Washington

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

How satisfied are you with the political leadership in Washington? Are the senators and representatives making decisions you support? Do you agree with the President's priorities? Are you happy or disgusted with the direction our leaders are taking us?

A lot of Americans are frustrated by all the rigid partisanship and resultant gridlock--they want our leaders to work together and get problems solved. But how is that even remotely possible? With all the negative talk from both sides, all the words of hatred and fear mongering, how can America find better days 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 caused by a divisive political landscape. Most politicians and their supporters have told lies and warped the truth in order to get where they are. 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 it all is the fear mongering—the thought that if the wrong people get their way, America is doomed. I’d like to remind you of something quite important—voters can’t wreck the future. No administration can 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 about what's going on in Washington, pray to God and entrust the future to Him.