Loving My Political Enemy - Part 3 - The Rev. Philip DeVaul

We have different kinds of enemies in this life, and I want to spend the next few weeks diving into how to love them – and I am going to be paying special attention to how we love our political enemies. The reason for this should be obvious. We will look at how to love the politicians we can’t stand. We will look at how to love our enemies systemically in how and why we vote. But today we are going to look at how we love the political enemy who is our family member or friend.  

And let me say right out of the gates that yes, family and friends can be enemies. I know this is harsh language and it may make you uncomfortable to think this way. That’s ok. Let’s stay here for a little bit. Families and friendships can be pushed to or even past the breaking point over politics, and I’m not here to tell you that is inherently wrong, or that people are taking politics too seriously. If I were a person of color and one of my friends actively supported racist policies, I imagine it would impact our friendship. If I were a military veteran and a family member of mine cheered at funding cuts to the VA, I imagine it would impact our relationship.  

Politics are personal. It’s odd that we suggest otherwise. Perhaps politics don’t feel personal when the results of an election don’t affect your daily life all that much. But if your rights are being debated, your livelihood or safety is on the line, it doesn’t feel abstract – it becomes more than just a matter of playful debate. Nostalgic conversations about civility and placid calls for unity cost us nothing and are worth as much. We have a responsibility to take our division seriously.