Anti-political love

Is anyone else exhausted with political rhetoric that constantly bombards us from every side these days? It seems like the last presidential election was just decided and we’re already gearing up for another one. We never really see actual progress because our two-party system is so deeply pitted against each other, it’s like a perpetual match of tug-of-war. Unfortunately this isn’t a game, and we’re all going to end up face down in the mud if something doesn’t change. The thing is, who can you listen to? With all the money, power, and influence driving this country’s political machine, how can you even trust a campaign promise or platform when the motive behind it is just to get as many votes as you can to defeat the evil ____________ (Republicans/Democrats, Conservatives/Liberals, Fascists/Anarchists). Fill in the blank with your favorite flavor of rhetoric. Then I wonder, is this more than just a political problem? As poet and rapper Propaganda has said, “Politics is just gangbanging in nice suits.” Maybe this is actually a human problem.

Don’t we do the same thing as these politicians? We game the system to try to get ahead. Tell the boss what they want to hear to get a promotion or put our most beautiful and successful image on social media to attract more likes and followers. And here’s a gut punch…..we often do the same thing in our churches. Have you ever heard this, “Show them love so that they will ask what’s different about you.”? Or, “Be nice in order to show people that our religion is different (aka “better”) than the others”? Taking a step back, this looks a lot like manipulation and coercion under a spiritual guise of love, kindness, or good work. This is a political love, only given with the purpose of receiving something in return. If we find ourselves “loving” someone so that they’ll listen to us, believe us, like us, follow us, or any other motivation other than love itself, I’m afraid we are missing the whole point of love.

We are humans, made in the image of God, who describes himself as Love. Love is the fabric that makes up the core of our being and how we are intended to thrive individually and in community. It is patient and kind; not insisting on its own way; doesn’t fight for its own rights above the safety and welfare of others; doesn’t tear down others with hateful and spiteful words, but builds up and encourages. This is loving our neighbors, for no other reason than love itself. I wish I could say this is a reflection of how I live, but alas I’m still a work in progress like all of us. I believe though, that this is the way to a better future for humanity, where we all show mutual love, respect, and compassion for every single human on this beautiful planet. Let’s learn to love our neighbors better, whether they live across the street or across the border. Everyone deserves authentic, anti-political love from us today.