I tend to avoid these topics with people whose views sharply differ from my own.

I take the conflict avoidance approach most of the time.

 

I stand firm on God's Word. It will not make you pop-U-lar, but God doesn't call us to that.

Nearing 50 and being a Christian since my 20's I have learned to listen to the Holy Spirit before I speak. Sometimes my mouth opens before He gets a chance to season my words with grace.

It is by His leading that we know when, and what to speak. There are times to be bold and there are times to be silent. As Jesus lived by only speaking what God wanted Him to speak, should we do less or more.

Our words need to follow the Biblical pattern of being truthful, good, and able to impart grace to the hearer. The only people Jesus came down on hard were the Pharisees - hypocrites.
So there will be a time to speak bold but even in these times what we say needs to help the hearer finds his/her way to repentance (true, good, graceful).

Many times though God knows it will do no good. Speaking will be like banging a gong. This is why having a relationship with Him is essential to our walk, because the just walk by faith - fresh, current living faith of listening, believing and obeying our Father-God.

Blessings to you.

 

I haven't had to deal with this issue personally--at least not with people with whom I'm close and want/need to maintain a long-term relationship--but I would think that it's a very difficult situation to be in.

I assume you've done this, but you didn't say so explicitly--have you had a conversation with these individuals in which you explicitly say that you don't want to discuss these topics with them? Maybe even have one big, put it all on the table discussion where everyone states their views and the reason behind them, but everyone also agrees that after that one conversation, if there's still disagreement, there will be agreement to disagree without further discussions? (Gentle reminders may be necessary from time to time.)

Also, would it help if you had a conversation with them that didn't focus on the political issues themselves, but pointed out how judged you feel by their assumption that it's impossible for Christians to disagree with them? After all, it comes across as if they're saying that you're not a good Christian if you disagree with them politically, and if they really do believe that, they need a gentle reminder to "Judge not, lest ye be judged."

 

I like your take on this topic. I have blogged out of passion about certain things that I now believe alienated and offended people rather than showing them Christ's love. As I mature, I realize I need to try to "get along with everyone as long as it depends on me." I have to trust that Christ will bring about a change in my heart or their heart as He sees fit. It's a much better way of thinking, in my opinion! That's not to say that I wouldn't defend Christ, but it's with gentleness and compassion and with the prompting of the Holy Spirit instead of with an argumentative heart.

Thank you for your post! I've been enjoying your blog!

 

You have been awarded by me. Come see.

 

Terry--

I'm like you. I try to avoid conflict. I just find it difficult when it's others who keep bringing stuff up!

Lindylou, thanks for your insightful response! I have often had those "gong" experiences, where I think it would be better if I just remained silent. And in the end, that's what I'm thinking I should do!

Deborah--I have talked to them about it, but I still find it difficult. I'm not very good at confronting people. I think I'm just going to learn to suck this one up!

And Burkulater, glad you found the blog, and glad you like it! And thanks so much for the prize! Good to get to know you!

 

I tend to be like you ... focusing on what unites rather than divides. And, truthfully, I often find that many across the spectrum think I believe what they do on various political issues. You know, I'm sort of okay with that ... I don't hide that I volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center and so I don't feel like I need to explain to anyone that I am opposed to abortion. I have found that even my staunchest pro-choice friends are deeply respectful of my beliefs because they see them lived out in my life without judgment of those who disagree and with grace to those who find themselves considering or even having an abortion. That's just a very practical example in my life. But I hope that tenderness toward others is evident in every part of my life ... I don't care if people think I'm liberal or conservative, red, blue or green ... I care if they know Jesus. And anything that might speak louder than grace in my life needs to be muted.

 

I hear ya, Sheila.
And, Teri is bang on. :) Actions should speak louder than words... but heaven knows it's hard to stop those words sometimes! (For me, anyway!)