Post-Election Grace and Peace

The election is over.  I figured that no matter who won yesterday, there would be people I know and care about, who would wake up today and think the Apocalypse had come.  I also knew that there would be people I know and care about, who would be rejoicing.  

Today I am reaching out both to those who are rejoicing this morning, and to those who are filled with dread.  

First, to those who feel as though the world has come to an end.  It hasn't.  The sun rose outside my window.  Creation still speaks of the glory of God.  Jesus is still risen.  The fact that your candidate of choice didn't win doesn't change who you are, and more importantly who you are in the eyes of God.  

You have work to do to be reconciled to those with whom you disagree, but if you must mourn, don't try to suppress it.  Mourn today, and then gather your strength tomorrow to be renewed in the Spirit as you take up once again the work of embodying the kingdom of God on earth.  

To those of you who are filled with joy today, and are tempted to gloat.  Don't.  Act with humility, and let your speech be filled with grace and peace.  Embrace the advice given by the Apostle Paul to "Consider the needs of others ahead of your own."  

This is not a moment to be triumphant, it's a moment to remember that you are blessed when you act as a peacemaker.  And remember that it is God who is sovereign, not you. Your calling today is to reach out to those who are wounded and reeling, and demonstrate the love of Christ.   

One of the passages of Scripture that was part of my readings this morning just happened to be Psalm 133.  The first two verses jumped out at me: 

1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.

I can't help but believe that the fact that verse was in my readings for today is not a coincidence.  My prayer for all of us today is that we tear our attention away from the pundits and the politicians and fix our eyes on Jesus, whose greatest prayer to the Father was that his followers would be "one."   

Beloved, may the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.