With just four days to go before the presidential election, many Americans are anxious about the outcome. Regardless of who is elected, roughly half of voters will be let down, frustrated or even angry. So how will people move forward? How can a country so politically, racially and economically divided work together to solve so many problems?

Take off your shoes

We all have been exposed to the rhetoric and vitriol of the campaigns, and we all must put it behind us. Humility is where many of the great biblical leaders started. Moses was humbled by God’s power and presence in the burning bush before he brought all of Israel together and led them out of Egypt. Paul was struck blind on the road to Damascus and humbled by Christ before he worked to bring Jews and Gentiles together. Regardless of our political ideals, humility before God is our starting point. Only when we are humble enough to confront and correct our individual sins will we be able to love others despite their sins and move forward together.

Lighting the path

As we follow the Holy Spirit, we are called to be the missionaries, the light-bearers, the first to forgive, the peacemakers and the healers. With God’s help, we must reach out to those with whom we most disagree and find what we have in common. We can build on our common beliefs to express mutual respect (and even Christian love) to those whose experience and perspectives are so different from ours. Then we can agree to work together to solve a problem with the variety of gifts present and available, along with God’s guidance. When we work this way — creating common ground — we are bearers of light in a darkened world, and we provide the hope others need to join with us in the task.

Question of the day: What are some likely reactions to the outcome of the 2016 presidential election?
Focal scriptures: 1 Peter 1:13-16; Genesis 33:1-17; Matthew 5:1-16

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