This morning in worship, I offered a reflection against the backdrop of varying degrees of political violence in Iran, Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Venezuela, and the United States. I read it afterward, and I think this is what I was trying to say:

Our understanding of what is going on around us is influenced by our use of social media and the other resources from which we gather news. Social media in particular is more concerned with holding our attention than helping us to understand the truth about what is going on around us. Plus, all news outlets have their agendas and assumptions.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of you and me to think critically, to ask questions: “Is this right? Is this true? Is this for the cause of truth and the public good, or is it merely for someone else’s gain, profit, tribe, or ego? It is on us to think critically and not simply to assume that the opinions being directed at us are true. With each passing week and month, it seems we are moving as a nation toward significant trouble. Beyond carefully making choices when we vote, perhaps our most productive response today is to avoid the temptation to demonize the people who hold opinions which are different from our own. We can follow Jesus to practice love toward our perceived enemies and remember that generally they have much in common with us. We are called to share our perspectives, and to make them known in love and with respect.

One final thing, when we feel anger rising, may we be curious about the source of that anger and how we might redirect it for good.

Thank you for sharing in the journey of faith.