Can We Still Be Friends?

love-godlove-peopleWhen I was a child it was often said that politics and religion were two subjects one should not discuss with too many people. I didn’t understand why then, but I’ve seen why over the years and, even more so, during this most recent political season.

Do you have a Facebook page? Have you “unfriended” people over things they’ve posted during this highly flammable election season? Many have.

I made a decision during the general election to not post or comment on anything political. Social media has made it too easy for people to express views in much more hateful ways than they would if they were having an actual face to face conversation. The old saying, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” needs to make a comeback.

In my lifetime I’ve been called foolish, by some, for many things, including my spiritual and political views. What’s crazy about this is my spiritual and political views have changed repeatedly over the years. And, I anticipate, my views will continue to evolve as life goes on. My basic foundation remains the same, but learning and growing makes life interesting. The one thing I know for sure is I will never agree with everyone all the time.

But here’s the cool thing; I don’t have to always agree with you to love you. I don’t have to always agree with you to build a genuine relationship. And I don’t have to always agree with you to respect and appreciate your unique qualities.

I don’t agree with everything my husband does or says, but I love him with a love I cannot express in words.

My son and I disagree now and then but I will forever long to be near him on a regular basis rather than communicating over a long distance phone call.

My step-children, from both marriages, are all so different in their individual views on most of life, but each of them brings joy and fun to my world. Joy and fun I would miss terribly if we reacted badly over our differences and ended our relationships.

Some of my best friends are those I disagree with from time to time, but that doesn’t stop us from loving, laughing and sharing life in ways many do not understand.

When Jesus said “love your neighbor as yourself”, He didn’t mean only those you agree with or those who behave and look just like you do. He meant everyone! Pasty white or black as night! Gay or straight! Democrat or Republican! Christian or Muslim! And those still unsure if there really is a God in the first place! EVERYONE!

Learning to lovingly disagree is a choice. The only way to stop hate is to love and accept our unique differences.

Can we still be friends even if we don’t agree on everything? I sure hope so. Life would be quite boring if the only people in my world thought and acted just like me.

We have a choice; Love and respect or hate and disdain. I choose love and respect. How about you?

In His embrace,

Toni

8 comments to Can We Still Be Friends?

  • Sheila Schweiger-Rhodes  says:

    Agreed my sweet friend!!! You will always be MY friend and I will forever love and respect you even if we ever disagree 🙂

    • Toni  says:

      Back at ya Sheila! Loving one another and what we learn from one another is far more important than being right!

  • TENA WILLIAMS  says:

    I agree, but I think we all need this reminder!

    • Toni  says:

      It’s just as much a reminder to myself as it is to others. I only hope those who spread discontent will also agree and begin to spread encouragement instead.

      God bless you Tena!

  • SUSAN GROSSMAN  says:

    Good advice Toni. I think we are in desperate need of some basic manners and etiquette training. Displaing good manners and have consideration for others is a lost art.

    • Toni  says:

      Agreed Susie! Miss Manners needs to show back up and teach all over again!

  • Nancy Yoshida  says:

    So true Toni, Facebook comments were so brutal I decided to stay off for a while. One of my sons was so offensive to some of our family members that it embarrassed me. However I stayed neutral and gave my son the Grace we all deserve. Thanks to you for the solid Christian foundation you helped plant in me. Love and blessings my beautiful friend.

    • Toni  says:

      Nancy,

      I’m so sorry for the negativity you experienced. It’s so unfortunate how politics brings out the worst in us sometimes. I’m ever so glad you are walking in the light of God’s unfailing love. So thankful for you my friend!

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