Do You Even Want to Get to Know Someone on the Other Side of the Aisle?

With the first big debate happening tonight, I have an important question for you, particularly if you are a Christian…

Do you even WANT to get to know someone on the other side of the aisle?

Let’s explore that question today.

Do You Even Want to Get to Know Someone on the Other Side of the Aisle?

When I attended the Global Leadership Summit this August, I was impacted by many teachings, including this one by Michael Jr.:

“If you don’t get curious, you’ll be furious.”

I’m not going to tell you which side of the aisle I’m on, or which one to be on.

But I AM going to tell you since kindergarten, I’ve had friends who are on the other side of the aisle from me. Friends with whom I do life, like sharing meals and attending events together. Some of these friendships have lasted for decades.

Lately, I’ve been asking myself why this is true because it certainly seems unique in our current culture.

I can’t speak to why my friends chose me, but I can say why I chose them:

• They make my life richer, more interesting, and far more beautiful.
• These friends stretch and expand my viewpoints.
• They show me how God is working in their lives, which is sometimes vastly different yet often quite similar to how he works in mine.
• My friends teach me how childhood experiences, religious backgrounds, family dynamics, and socioeconomic settings inform their decisions and shape mine too.
• They challenge my tendency toward black-and-white thinking and help me see the amazing nuances of God’s love and grace.

I don’t normally discuss politics with them, because I tend to say really stupid things that I deeply regret later. However, as I grow in wisdom, I try to practice curiosity rather than getting furious about stark differences of opinion.

I’ve realized that there is a low chance I will change their opinion, and vice versa. So I focus more on enjoying their company, celebrating their humanity, and as Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:22 NLT: “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.”

The most important thing I talk about with them is faith. I also look for open windows to do this, rather than preaching at them. Faith is what can unite us, while politics tend to divide us.

What thoughts does this post stir in you? I’d like to hear your thoughts below. Respectful comments only, please.

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