It’s November 8th, 2020, and there’s a new President and Vice President-Elect: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. It is no secret that I do not support Trump or the behavior that his leadership has encouraged among his followers. His presidency has stirred up the racism, fear, and hatred that has existed in the U.S. for a long time. It is clear that our country is deeply divided.

I am happy and hopeful for the future that Biden and Harris will work for. Biden was calm and collected all throughout the voting and counting process. And it is a great step forward to have Harris as the first woman of color to serve as VP in the U.S. I’m impressed with how they’ve managed themselves during this past week. Biden recognized that non-Democrats have also voted for him, and he’s committed to serving as the President for all Americans, not only Democrats. I appreciate his desire to work towards improving the country, and how he recognizes the need to work with people of all parties. I hope and pray he and Harris will be successful in beginning to unite our divided people.

With all that said, I freely admit that I am worried about the behavior and actions that will follow this election. But not from the candidates. I’m worried about the American people. On both sides.

Four years ago, we saw the drastic change in behavior from Trump’s supporters, and the great damage that caused. The blatant racism and hate-fueled attacks towards minorities were both horrifying and infuriating. I imagine that some of Trump’s more radical supporters will not accept this defeat well. 

But I’m not only worried about Trump’s supporters. I’m also worried about Biden’s supporters.

It’s been one day, and already I’m seeing posts and comments all over social media that taunt Trump and his supporters, rubbing Biden’s victory in their face. Several arrogant, hate-filled posts. How is this any better than how Trump’s supporters behaved four years ago? It’s not. 

I think it’s important to accept this win with grace and civility. We need to set ourselves apart, and show that we are in fact different and worth listening to. If Democrats and liberals talk as hatefully and exclusively as the opposing side, then why should anyone listen to us? Your “cancel culture” is not convincing. It’s just as divisive as the opposing rhetoric.

I recognize that I’m speaking from a biblical perspective. Some of my friends on Facebook may accuse me of being too moderate, or complicit in regards to the principles and ideologies of Trump’s supporters and other conservatives. But for those that truly know me, you know that I am just as deeply troubled, distressed, and even irate about the injustices that are being committed against POCs, women, children, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, you name it.

I will not condone any behavior that is motivated by hate, injustice, and fear. I will actively fight against it every day. But I WILL NOT be motivated by hate. I REFUSE to be hateful towards those that I disagree with. I want these people to learn and recognize their wrongs. I want to see repentance, not erasure. I respect our shared humanity—the image of God that we all share—and want to love them despite our difference in perspective, because that’s what God has called Christians to do. That’s the standard I’ve been given. 

Not everyone that voted for Biden is a Christian. Nor is every Trump supporter a Christian. Therefore, not everyone believes that loving their enemies is necessary…or wise, even. But even if you’re not a Christian, I see no disadvantage in attempting civility with one another. If we want to bridge the division and improve this country, then we need to learn how to be convicted, but civil. We need to be patient, and willing to hear the other side. I’m convinced no true growth will come for the U.S. if the people are not willing to grow themselves.

If you’re unable to take this dose of humility, or are unwilling to be civil with those that disagree with you, that’s your choice. I cannot and will not force you. But know that I will be putting in the time and effort to love our enemies and to fight injustice with love instead of hate. Please don’t make my job more difficult. Thank you.

End of soapbox.

I know I am not alone in my thinking. Christians all over the world are fighting the good fight for justice, but also to love others. I strongly recommend you check out my friend Ryan’s video, where he discusses the need for unity in a divided nation from a Christian perspective. It’s a talk he gave to the students of the Berkeley Soon Movement. It’s titled, “United but not Uniform: Pursuing Christian Oneness in a Divided Nation.”

Need a reminder of how to love others in this time? Here are some Bible verses that clearly command us to love one another, friend and enemy alike.