Many things come to mind when I ask or am asked that question and I’m sure that each one will have a different perspective and idea.  As I have been in prayer and musing on America, where we are, where we have been, and where we are going there are some agonizing thoughts have come to mind.  When I witness, what in my mind, is an assault on our American foundation, the pillars of freedom and the principles upon which America was founded, I become agitated.  I wish I could say that it was always ‘righteous indignation’ but sometimes it is unadulterated blood boiling anger that could easily morph into hate and I fight against that with a passion.  I do not want hate to fill my heart and although I hate sin and the result of sin I do not want to hate the sinner.  I hate the attempts to dismantle and unravel our constitutional framework and diminish the principled fabric of our society but I do not want to hate those who disagree with me about what is best and the direction we should take.  Hate will never produce genuine and lasting victory and progress.

What is the greatest need of America today?  HEALING!  You may not agree and that is your right and privilege.  I will not argue that there are not some incredibly imposing and threatening dangers facing our republic, there are!  Yet, I know from the Bible and history that a house divided against itself cannot stand, become incredibly weak, and open to an invasion of ideologies and forces that would dismantle and destroy us.  NONE OF US TRULY WANT THAT.  The Bible offers us a prescription for HEALING in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “and My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land.”  [Amplified].

I have watched the MSM, the political pundits, activist, and the protests in the aftermath of this election in which the Leftist Democrat was defeated by the Republican and it is a sad reflection of our divide.  If we allow ourselves to focus on our particular ideology, pet agenda, personal preference, or pet-peeve we will expand the divide.  If we allow ourselves to be drawn into HATE and continue to fan the flames of discord, we will fail as a nation and thereby will suffer individually and collectively.  I do believe that one of the things President Trump said in his inaugural speech is vitally important for us to focus on.  He said that UNITED, America is Unstoppable!  He said other things about setting aside our prejudices, biases and realizing that we are All Americans and America should be first not personal preference.

I do not suggest anyone abandon their convictions or principles.  I would never do that but I do suggest that we need to resist and reject HATE.  I do suggest we seek common ground through which we can work together for the good of America and Freedom at home and abroad.  If you hate me or I hate you based on the color of skin, we both lose.  If I hate you or you hate me solely based on personality, we both are reduced to incredibly small people.  If I hate you or you hate me based on which side of a political issue we stand, we dig a chasm that will prevent us from finding a solution to our nation’s problems.  I see the signs of protesters, “Love Trumps Hate” and next to that sign will be one that calls for assignation or some other incredible act of violence and hate.  LOVE does triumph over HATE but we dare never forget that Hate and Love do not flow out of the same fountain or heart at the same time. 

America’s greatest need, in my mind, is HEALING.  I am totally convinced that Healing can only truly come from God.  I was appalled when Barack Obama won in 2008 and significantly discouraged when he won again in 2012 but I did not stop being an American and wanting what was best for America.  Did I oppose Mr. Obama?  Yes, I did.  Have I been vocal?  Yes, I have.  But not one time did I call for his murder, the rape of his wife or children or seek to destroy the framework of our society, government, commerce, or community.  I found almost nothing good in the policies of Mr. Obama. You may find nothing good in the policies of Mr. Trump.  But if we love America and are willing to suppress our prejudices, biases, and resist the tendency to HATE that which is different we can not only survive but thrive as a nation.  HEALING is America’s greatest need and it is my greatest need as a human being. 

I hate the message and actions of Islamic jihadism.  I hate the murder of innocent babies in the womb.  I hate the attempts to strip all reference and mention of God from our public stage.  I hate the ‘fundamental transformation’ of America into something other than the nation we were established to be and the principles upon which we were formed.  I hate the works of evil no matter what form that comes.  HOWEVER, I do not want to be filled with HATE and thereby prevented from having LOVE for my fellow man.  I want to be a part of the HEALING of our Nation not a part of the perpetuation of division. 

I know that my sermon will not be well received by some but I hope you hear my heart.  I DO NOT want anyone to abandon their principles, and discard their core convictions.  I want you to protest what you believe is wrong but do so in a civil, peaceful, constitutional, and legal manner.  I want all of us to be able to stand for what we believe is right but to do so as rational and mature people.  I am praying for HEALING in our land and am committed to interceding for America.

God, bless you and God bless America is my prayer and desire!