Friendships with People with Opposite Political Views

[TheIndianGirl]

I have a lot of lefty friends on FB. For the 2016 election, it got very stressed. (I am not American, but it seems like that is all people want to talk about when an election is close!)

I think I unfollowed a few people, then followed them once the election was over and they had settled down.

This American election (2020), I had a lot of people unfollowed. I have one Christian friend in a group of lefties, and I tried to support her. These people were hammering her. Esp with all the nonsense about Trump inciting a riot. I watched his speech from start to finish, and he was very clear about being peaceful and going home. I'm also convinced Antifa etc was behind the incitement.

Anyway, I put these people on 30 day unfollow. When that was over, and the election, I realized what horrid people they were. I'm talking about filthy language, constant attacks on Christians, and out right Satanism.

I got caught up with being witnesses to them. But I had no impact on these ungodly people. I prayed a lot, and finally I gave up on them. I put them on unfollow, and if they pop up again with their horrible attitudes, it is unfriend and ban time.

I can't even discuss Canadian politics with my sister any more. She just screams and attacks me personally, says I don't use critical thinking or good sources. She doesn't discuss the argument. For example, Trudeau is the worst Prime Minister Canada has ever had. I give her 20 things he would be impeached in the US for, and any other PM would have been ousted for, and she will say she doesn't believe me. If I send her links, the sources I give are "rags!" Then she sends me some CBC or other lefty publication, that are totally biased, and worship Trudeau and says I need to read this stuff. Why? So I can be brainwashed by Trudeau's bought and paid for media? Last year there were several big stories about his wrong doing & it was American right wing media that released the story, and most of the MSM in Canada never even reported it.

I could rant forever! I've also examined my heart and actions. Maybe I am at fault or aggravating people. But it comes back to politics. The right wing gets blasted, and the left tries to make itself look good, with no facts or even ethical principles.

I deactivated Facebook and have not used it since early January; I don't plan on logging in anytime soon either. I think one thing that helped me deactivate is using the unfollow feature. At one point I had unfollowed everyone except for maybe 10 people, maybe even less, so I cut down the amount of time spent on Facebook. Even among these 10 people, not many posted frequently. Quitting Facebook cold turkey without using the unfollow feature would have been difficult for me.

 

[SigP226]

With Respect to all of you that are saying "avoid the topic" or even to gloss over it....

The TRUTH needs to be spoken. The absence of the truth will lead to things like what is going on over in China. And these things will impact your daily life.

NEVER be afraid to speak the truth for fear of offending a neighbor, friend, or family member. Are they entitled to their choices/beliefs? Yes.

I can not speak for everyone, however, I want to associate with people that are at least seeking the truth, as well as those who know it.

 

[SigP226]

I deactivated Facebook and have not used it since early January; I don't plan on logging in anytime soon either. I think one thing that helped me deactivate is using the unfollow feature. At one point I had unfollowed everyone except for maybe 10 people, maybe even less, so I cut down the amount of time spent on Facebook. Even among these 10 people, not many posted frequently. Quitting Facebook cold turkey without using the unfollow feature would have been difficult for me.

Why would it have been difficult? I flat out deleted the app last October and never once looked back.

 

[Lanolin]

With Respect to all of you that are saying "avoid the topic" or even to gloss over it....

The TRUTH needs to be spoken. The absence of the truth will lead to things like what is going on over in China. And these things will impact your daily life.

NEVER be afraid to speak the truth for fear of offending a neighbor, friend, or family member. Are they entitled to their choices/beliefs? Yes.

I can not speak for everyone, however, I want to associate with people that are at least seeking the truth, as well as those who know it.

to the politicians, that is why its called telling truth to power.

not just rant and rave and not do anything about it or go on fb and alienate everyone. No point in that. Politicans arent on FB reading your every post, unless you ARE actually friends with them.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

Why would it have been difficult? I flat out deleted the app last October and never once looked back.

I like to see other people's posts, see their pictures, etc. so it would be difficult to quit cold turkey.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

Change the subject, learn how to be good at changing the subject. You can do that by asking them questions that make them feel like you want their opinion about something.

Because I'm a minority woman people believe I vote a certain way and so they spill out their political views without me asking, and assume I agree with them. If multiple people are talking about politics, it is difficult for me alone to change the topic especially if I'm trapped (eating out with them, at a meeting, etc.). So, changing topics is not always successful. Because of such feelings, I do not really feel I am part of a church family if I'm being silenced in this way (if I speak out this will cause disharmony). I once emailed a Breitbart article to a group at church, no one responded. Because I work downtown I need to live closer to downtown, so most church attendees in my area are anti-Trump.

 

[surfer14]

I'm farther right than anyone I know. Friends on the left? No way. For one thing I have no real interest in making a female friend. So that leaves only males. I think white males on the left are effeminate at best. So I have no desire to hang around with them. And minority males are generally on the left because that's where the government handouts come from. So I want nothing to do with them either. So that makes it really easy for me to make friends - any white, non-sissified male is likely to be a friend for me. I can pretty reliably identify friend versus foe in about 5 seconds.

Black woman pastor?? Bwahahaha!!! I'd NEVER, EVER go there. Of course it's going to be a massively left leaning cesspool of degenerate communism.

 

[Lanolin]

huh nobodys ever really assumed I vote a certain way because of being a woman or minority.
Who I vote for is not any of their business.

People generally dont talk about politics in a group when Im am there, usually talk about food, gardening or just life. In my family the main topic is food. How much it costs and where you get it from lol.

though Ive noticed other people will talk about really boring stuff like house prices , and assume that Im interested in such a lame topic. I just say thats terrible whenever someone complains about how much they have gone up and dont give them anything more. I dont care who sold such and such and how much they got for it. Or what people can or cant afford.

This is what I do for boring meetings, where people are going blah blah blah I just say look at the time I have to go and then leave.

eating out, I just say the food is great and enjoy it. Usually if my mouth is full eating Im not talking. I dont really eat out to talk...I go for the food not the conversation. Jesus said think of me when you eat and drink so I think of him and am thankful for the food.

 

[Lanolin]

your church is not meant to be a political battleground but there might be reasons peoole dont like a certain poltician, not all are likeable or honorable.

I have a friend who often says she doesnt like the PM but thats just her opinion. I dont have to agree. But I dont feel I need to defend the PM either. If she wanted to say to the PMs face I dont like what you doing or email her about any issues she is welcome to.

You can write to them and they have to respond to any issue you raise.the govt needs feedback on how they are doing from the public, whether good or bad thats how they operate and can do better. If you really dont like what they are doing you dont vote for them but if they got in and you didnt vote for them you can still write to them and let them know about issues. Because its imprtant that ANY govt is accountable when they are in power.

 

[Lanolin]

example
say you dont like what a govt is doing or feel an issue is overlooked.

What you do is write a polite letter drawing attention to the issue and some suggestions on what can be done about it. Also write that you would like a resonse and a timeframe of when they can do it.

Even individual letters are read by the parliament secretary. How long it takes to respond can vary, but they are bound to.

if you think you are being silenced for being minority get a petition together and everyone sign it.
When women wanted the vote, what people did was sign a petition that was yards long, like a huge roll of wallpaper, both men and women signed showing that this was imprortsnt to them.

if the petitions dont make any impact, the next thing is to march. People are willing to march peacfeully to show they want something changed. Yes they have to stop give up their work and time to do this but its important.

You need to understand that it is frustrating for people to have to live with substandard housing or low wages, or not being able to feed their families, or pollution and they want something done about it sooner rather than later. But sometimes change can take YEARS.

unlike rich people, they cant use money or influence to bribe people into changing something.

 

[Lanolin]

the other thing is to pray
You can pray for wisdom for your leaders, even if they themselves are not believers.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

 

[SigP226]

to the politicians, that is why its called telling truth to power.

not just rant and rave and not do anything about it or go on fb and alienate everyone. No point in that. Politicans arent on FB reading your every post, unless you ARE actually friends with them.

The point is to DO something about speaking and acting in truth. This is the closest thing to social media that I am a part of.

In the past week through everyday conversation with people, political points have been brought up by them. They often say things that are not true.

I'm often accused of not caring about people. The truth is, I care. Just not in the way they want me to. I care that they are educated and know the truth, and are not getting their news from social media or the skewed news outlets.

 

[Lanolin]

people get their news from wherever.
Unless you are a journalist yourself, you are just another source, and everyone has a different view point, even people who were in the SAME place at the exact same time.

that is why politicans need to hear from all kind of people and not just their inner circle. They represent their electorate. An electorate is often made up of peoole from all kinds of backgrounds. But thing is they are all ordinary people. They are not in a position of relative power like a politician is, to affect legislation.

 

[Lynx]

Because I'm a minority woman people believe I vote a certain way and so they spill out their political views without me asking, and assume I agree with them. If multiple people are talking about politics, it is difficult for me alone to change the topic especially if I'm trapped (eating out with them, at a meeting, etc.). So, changing topics is not always successful. Because of such feelings, I do not really feel I am part of a church family if I'm being silenced in this way (if I speak out this will cause disharmony). I once emailed a Breitbart article to a group at church, no one responded. Because I work downtown I need to live closer to downtown, so most church attendees in my area are anti-Trump.

When you're trapped, just use the old scoot.

 

[Raney]

How do you have meaningful conversations and bond with people with opposite political views?

This is a long post, but as I prayed about it this is what God brought to my mind to share, not with the intention of being "overly righteous" or contentious, many of these verses I needed to be reminded of as well. (And I am sure I go off tangent at times, ) I am by no means perfect but strive daily to do what is right in God and if I stumble I will repent and keep moving forward, for how else do we learn without mistakes?

This is one that comes up at our church as well and we have had teachings on it in the past and reminders have been brought over the pulpit from time to time (usually during heated voting season esp. this last one, lol) So I can relay what I have learned and share those scriptures with you in the hopes it can help you some. In Christ, we can all be reminded of what His word tells us about these things, (even pastors or elders), which is so easy to forget when we are in a world full of things to distract us from our end goal and cause confusion. Remember God does not create confusion, the devil does, it is also good to remember our battle is not with each other.

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV

I would also like to share anytime I am faced with these hard questions I pray about them (a lot) and seek my answers in God's word, for ultimately that is who I want to please and who I am following after. This is also something that has been brought over our pulpit many times that we should look for ourselves and not take anyone's word on the matter (even our pastors), ultimately we are responsible for our own souls and should seek understanding and knowledge from God, and verify what is being taught. If anything comes across the pulpit that is not in God's word or contradicts it, something is amiss. So please, do not take my word, but look at what I have to share and compare it to the word of God.

The thing that stands out to me is anytime we are dealing with worldly issues, then to narrow that down politics, in particular, then how are we to converse with others who have differing views. So, what does the bible say about these things?

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19 KJV

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 KJV

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 KJV

The whole chapter of Philippians 3 (this one verse stands out in particular)

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" Philippians 3:20 KJV

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 KJV

There are several mentions to remind us we are not to be of this world, which is why it is a daily renewing of our mind and to take it one day at a time.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24 KJV

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34 KJV

Here are some scriptures about "politics" :

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans13:1 KJV (Romans 13:1-13 for context)

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV
(1Timothy 2:1-6 for context)

"...Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” Matthew 22:21 KJV

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”
Titus 3:9 KJV

So in essence we should not get so involved with politics (or any worldly thing) that it comes before God. A good thing to keep in mind is that any person who attains a leadership role (mayor, senator, president, prime minister, king, etc...) is only there because God allows it, for His plan. We do not have to know why, or like who may be in charge, but we should pray for them and trust God knows what He is doing. For there is a much bigger picture in play than we can see. This does not mean we should not do our civic duty and vote etc... but how we deal with those with differing views should be in brotherly love. If the one we thought should have been elected does not win, well there shouldn't be whining/arguing over, same with gloating on the winner's side. That is not profitable nor edifying to the body of Christ. Accepting God's will is and being gracious in that is what is needed.

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV

It's okay to have differing views, but it should never cause contention amongst those in Christ, for we are to be of One mind when it comes to God. Treating each other with love and kindness. As individuals, we are going to have different likes/dislikes, which is fine, as long as what we seek does not contradict God's word. We have great freedom in Christ, but not all things are profitable or edifying. It is okay to tell a brother and/or sister in God, "let's agree to disagree on this matter," to keep the peace and brotherly love.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 KJV

“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:16-18 KJV

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 KJV

“That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6 KJV

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 KJV

The best thing we can do is pray and pray for each other to lift each other up in prayer.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

 

[Raney]

I'm done trying to convince others that I'm not a bad person...that's essentially what political arguments come down to nowadays instead of merely having a discussion on politics. This is quite exhausting and futile. So if someone else thinks you are a bad person (or too dumb to understand things), there is no relationship. To be fair, I believe both sides experience this with various topics, on the left (socialism, abortion, etc.) and on the right (against helping poor immigrants, against social programs, etc.). It depends how far on one wants to go to consider that person evil.

It should never be our burden to justify ourselves or explain ourselves to others. Let your fruits speak for themselves, your action and conversation (daily living) will speak clearly to those paying attention. Also sometimes as Christians (even with other Christians), you have to "suffer ourselves to be defrauded" in order to keep the peace. God knows the truth and it will be revealed in due time.

"Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren." 1 Corinthians 6:7-8 KJV

 

[Raney]

It is ok to stand for the truth. There is nothing wrong with that. Just do it in love and humility. Not from a stance of you are so wrong and I am so right. Remember how Christ accepted and ate with sinners? While those religious leaders of the day judged him for it?

Amen!!

 

[Raney]

This is not really possible in church as politics and religion are intertwined. Christians needs to think and vote a certain way, both sides have ideas on how/what a Christian should believe politically.

Being in Christ we should be of one mind but we can also have our own personal views on things, it is just as a body, when it comes to God we are to be of one mind. An example I will use from a teaching a few weeks ago: Two musicians at church, one prefers acoustic the other electric, but when it comes time to put together the music and what is to be played at church they are to be of ONE mind, and pray and ask God what HE wants. What is the most edifying to the Body as a whole etc... as for politics in general I addressed that in a long post. If you are in God you are not to be of the world, that includes warring over politics, esp. in Christ. We are to respect each other's various viewpoints and treat each other with brotherly love and kindness... In anything we do we should ask ourselves is this what Jesus would do, because sometimes we are the only bible others are going to read.

 

[surfer14]

Being in Christ we should be of one mind but we can also have our own personal views on things, it is just as a body, when it comes to God we are to be of one mind. An example I will use from a teaching a few weeks ago: Two musicians at church, one prefers acoustic the other electric, but when it comes time to put together the music and what is to be played at church they are to be of ONE mind, and pray and ask God what HE wants. What is the most edifying to the Body as a whole etc... as for politics in general I addressed that in a long post. If you are in God you are not to be of the world, that includes warring over politics, esp. in Christ. We are to respect each other's various viewpoints and treat each other with brotherly love and kindness... In anything we do we should ask ourselves is this what Jesus would do, because sometimes we are the only bible others are going to read.

Raney,
It's not a disagreement of acoustic versus electric. It's a battle for the survival of our civilization. Christendom is under seige on multiple fronts. They are literally servants of satan. They destroy everything that's good and beautiful. They want to feed on the souls of our children. It's not a situation where we can just get along with them. It's a fight for survival.

"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places."

 

[Raney]

Raney,
It's not a disagreement of acoustic versus electric. It's a battle for the survival of our civilization. Christendom is under seige on multiple fronts. They are literally servants of satan. They destroy everything that's good and beautiful. They want to feed on the souls of our children. It's not a situation where we can just get along with them. It's a fight for survival.

"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places."

I agree we are in a Spiritual battle and that is fought through prayer.

As for my statement, I was referring to fellow Christians, in how we can have differing views and opinions and still be of One mind with God. When dealing with those that are still in the world, we need to show them, Christ, in us in how we react and deal with situations. Anytime I am faced with big questions and I am not sure what to do I pray on the matter and go to God's word. What does the bible say on the matter? We are in Satans domain, this why we are not to be of this world why we live in it.

As for political things God is always ultimately in control of who gets placed in office in the end, it does not mean we don't have our civic duties, but to keep in mind even when we disagree we are to pray for our leaders and realize God has a much bigger plan that we can not see or understand. We just have to trust in Him, it does say we will be persecuted, there will be plagues, wars, earthquakes, etc.... these are the signs of the season we are in. Our job is to obey His word and be ministers and try to win souls and to bring as many as we can, some of us plant, others water, and then reap. We have the promise that God's word never goes out void. Some come by fear, others by love, some both. As Christians regardless of our denomination we all have the same end goal, the church is not a building or religion/doctrine it's the people who follow and are in Christ.