Posted on 09/11/2019 9:27:17 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
I imagine I’m not the only one this happened to, but still, you hate to see it happen at all. You express your support for Trump on a given issue, and an old friend or acquaintance dumps you. That’s how fiercely they oppose – or even despise – him. How do we best navigate these turbulent waters?
Growing up in a small Jewish community on Long Island, most of my best friends were also Jewish. And like the majority of American Jews, most of those old friends are now liberal Democrats. And a few of those old friends – or neighbors – are my Facebook friends.
That means they see my many posts about controversial cultural issues, like abortion and LGBT activism, and they do not unfriend me.
Others, not surprisingly, did unfriend me along the way, which I fully understand. We weren’t super close, and they didn’t appreciate my views. All clear.
But one in particular, whom I had known since elementary school, somehow stuck around, and every so often he’d post a nice comment to a family update or the like.
Unfortunately, the day came when my support for the President on a particular issue was more than he could take, and that was the end of that.
I wasn’t offended, but I hated to see it happen.
More recently, another childhood friend, named David, posted this in response to one my Trump-related articles: “How can any Christian support such an immoral and divisive man? He’s broken every commandment and has committed all Seven Deadly Sins. Ask yourself two questions....would Jesus support such behavior?
“Would Jesus treat illegals the same way?
“The answer is no to both questions and I question your commitment to Jesus if you support Donald Trump.
“Instant redemption is bull as Trump never seems contrite in his poor decisions.”
How did I respond to a post like this?
It appears that the order of the day is to fight fire with fire, offense with offense. You blast me and I blast you. Forget about substance. About content. About details and facts. And forget about conducting ourselves in a godly manner. Not a chance. Fire away!
But the Book of Proverbs has a relevant word for us here: “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1, NLT)
I knew his life experience and faith perspectives were very different than mine, and personally, I was glad to see he was still a Facebook friend, despite our differences.
I wrote back, “You definitely represent the concerns of many others, especially non-Christians. Here's the short answer: 1) Donald Trump is NOT our Savior, and for many of us, he was the last choice of the Republicans running for office. But a vote for him was a vote against Hillary, who we believed would be a disaster for our country. 2) While the issue of migrant children is a serious one and needs to be addressed, for us, slaughtering one million babies in the womb [each year] is a massively bigger issue. The brutal and horrific slaughter and torture and displacement of millions of Christians in the Middle East by ISIS and other Islamic militants is a massively bigger issue. The possibility of Iran getting nuclear weapons to attack Israel fits in this same category. And these are just some of the biggest issues to us. That's why we voted for Trump. We felt Hillary would be on the wrong side of all of these. As for immigration, remember that Obama deported far more illegals, at this time in his presidency, than Trump, and the problem of separating children from parents has existed for years before Trump. Christian supporters of Trump simply need to make clear that we want something done that is compassionate and fair. 3) When we excuse Trump's sinful behavior, we discredit our own witness. I agree. But we do NOT compromise our Christian witness when we say, ‘We deplore his past, playboy lifestyle, and we hate his crude and ugly attacks against others, but out of the choices for president in 2016 (or, potentially in 2020), we believe he's the better choice.’ I encourage you to think this through. God bless!”
And how did David respond on Facebook? He wrote, “Michael, thanks for the answer. As you know, we have many issues facing us as a country and as religious groups. There are no easy answers. I’m not sure if prioritizing our response based on religious views is the answer.
“It saddens me to see not one of the responses I got from people here address my two questions about Jesus approving of Trumps actions. I see a herd of Trump apologists who cherry pick their Christian values.
“Michael, I admire you as a person, you serve a very important role in today’s world. Keep up the good work you do! Be well!”
I responded, “Thanks for the kind words. This is the kind of interaction we all need. Much appreciated! And keep raising your voice when you want to weigh in. I always welcome respectful differences of opinion.”
As of today, David and I are still Facebook friends (David, I hope you’re reading this! If you are, encourage Robert to rejoin us!). And the point of me posting this is not to say, “Look at how wise my interaction was!”
The point, instead, is this.
Let’s do our best to communicate. To interact substantively rather than be reactionary. To do our best to hear someone’s heartfelt concerns.
And then, rather than dismissing those concerns as if they were baseless – is that how we want our concerns treated? – to share our point of view with clarity and grace.
In the end, rather than losing friends over views about Trump, we just might gain some.
Hey, it can’t hurt to dream.
I cant know but I can sense that Jesus would sort through the heart of a political leader with abortion as a primary issue.
And choose Trump over any democrat. So that would be my answer to any left wing Christian. You cant have abortion as a “choice “ you support much less rationalize yourself as compassionate.
Jesus himself was a survivor of Herod’s the slaughter of innocents. And forgave men and women who followed him for for their human sexual and character faults,
Politics is the be all, end all for liberals.
For most Conservatives, it’s a necessary evil, and not really that big of a part of our lives, which is actually part of the problem.
My neighbor stop talking to me because I would not except the Homo agenda. If you do not have the same values as him, he hates you. He stops associating with people as they offend him.
Recently he stop attending our Friday Night gatherings (diners), I think the last person in the group who he use to talk to offended him in some way.
Don’t let the hate get you upset. Just pray for them, and hope they change their minds. A lot of people like that have so much hate they can not see the others point of view.
Great post.
Unless they tell you first, how would you know?
I've never unfriended anyone on facebook. However, I have blocked a lot of people, including family members. I don't need to see their inane bs.
I wish FR had a "block" feature so I could eliminate deliberately ignorant fools.
Almost everyone yells, "Hurray for our side! Boo for your side!", without ever once checking facts, or even saying, "This is my opinion.".
I taught my children to question the facts, situations, people, etc over everything. Questioning myself included. But also told them to be sure of your facts, otherwise you make a fool of yourself.
As I posted a few days ago, virtually all of my gal-pals dumped me when I wore my red cowboy hat to a Halloween party. I’ve worn it every year, but this year, they all went nuts and will not speak to me any more.
Fortunately, I live in a very nice senior complex, beautiful lawns and trees. We had a Labor Day picnic and I met many new neighbors who are definite friend material.
Um, liberals cannot be reasoned with. Facts destroy their world view and make them feel bad.
A fair weather ‘friend’....the liberal leftists despite preaching tolerance are the most intolerant and ignorant sobs on the planet...
Uh, no you didn't.
“...Ask yourself two questions....would Jesus support such behavior?”
I’d say yes...next question.
My mom and dad are in their late 80’s and they have CNN or MSNBC on 24/7. From the bottom of their hearts they HATE Trump.
One example, my mom was admitted to hospital because she was incoherent. They asked her basic questions like what day was it, when was she born, etc. She got every question wrong except “who is the president?”
Neither my brother or myself will engage them in the subject. We will change the subject and just ignore their comments. At their age they are not going to change and we don’t want to have this interfere with our relationship during their final years.
Bill and Hillary expanded the list to 12.
I haven't had what I consider a "friend" since I left high school in 1972. I have and have had acquaintances .. work, golf, and softball (until my knees gave out) .. and I have my immediate family, not all of whom I communicate with either.
Haven't missed 'em ...
Jesus wasn’t a fool...
Jesus NEVER suggested countries drop their borders or their guard... and he knew the difference between this world - and the other. And which one mattered.
Would this man’s Jewish friends accept Palestinians taking over Israel in the name of ‘being a pushover fool’? Is that really what they see Jesus’ message as being? How insulting. How stupid. How vile.
When liberals play the ‘Jesus was a pushover’ card - even when they don’t believe in Him in the first place - it’s dreadful... I would cheer that kind of person dropping me... I don’t need someone like that for a friend or in my life. Or my world for that matter.
Think how insulting it would be if we turned to our Jewish neighbors and used the ‘eye for an eye’ quote to force them into accepting ANY and ALL wars? Too creepy for words.
Absolutely!
The cost is very high to follow Him.
In the end, the reward is more than worth it too.
The series “Babylon 5” does a good job at looking at this issue.
Of course you need to watch 4 years of the series to understand what is really going on.
There are two factions who believe their way is the only right way.
And they will do anything to make it happen.
The rest of us are just puppets.
Until we kick the factions out of our Galaxy, pawn will fight against pawn and make others very rich and powerful.
IF the person walked away because of hate for Trump- then they really aren’t worth knowing anyways- Who wants to go through life tiptoeing around someone that angry?
[[But the Book of Proverbs has a relevant word for us here: “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1, NLT)]]
Here Michael, lemme give ya an out to ease your conscience about the angry fella walking away:
Proverbs 22:24/25
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,
or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared
[[More recently, another childhood friend, named David, posted this in response to one my Trump-related articles: “How can any Christian support such an immoral and divisive man? He’s broken every commandment and has committed all Seven Deadly Sins.]]
“Hey David- We elected a President, NOT a priest- He was the LEAST immoral of the bunch on the left that he was running against, and he was and still is the MOST qualified to make this country great again- Had I not voted because of some false hope that every president should be a sinless god in their own right, we would never be able to vote ever!
Trump has flaws- We ALL do- But I can tell you this- We’re one heck of a lot better off as a country than we were during the miserable 8 years of the last administration- I just hope President Trump can fix some more of the crap the previous admin did to wreck this great nation of ours. Now, if you think David, that a democrat would have been better in office- then all I can do is feel sorry for you- Have a nice day”
Very well put.
It’s funny how liberals love to quote (cherry pick) Romans 13 to conservatives when one of their own is in charge of the government, but when it means fostering illegal activity to get an edge - not so much.
They also conveniently forget Acts 17:26
“And He made from one man every nation of men, to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,”
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