When I logged onto Facebook this morning, I was greeted by a host of not-so-sweet statuses regarding our new president-elect. Most of these were from Christians. I thought to myself, “You don’t have to love him, but there is no need to be jerks.” Then I caught myself. I remembered something I learned recently: As Christians, we forfeit the right to choose who we will love.

You don’t have to agree with Obama’s political platform.

But if you are a Christian, you do have to agree with God’s Word.

And if you agree with it, you must obey it.

According to God’s Word,

Disobedience looks like this:

- Speaking slander against Obama. It is never okay for Christians to tear down others with our words.

- Fearing Obama. If your trust is in God, you have nothing to fear. Worry and fear are sinful, time-wasting, joy killers. What can Obama do to you that God is unable to use for good? Nothing.

According to God’s Word,

Obedience looks like this:

- Submit to Obama’s authority. All authority was instituted by God. God chose Obama to be the president of our nation. We must respect him.

- Love Obama. Love is a choice, not an emotion. How can we choose love? 1 Corinthians 13 lays it all out.

Love is patient – be patient with Obama as he leads our country. As a first year teacher, I am still learning the ropes. As a first year president, he will be too. Give him some grace.

Love is kind – let words of kindness be on your lips regarding Obama.

Love does not envy – do not be jealous if the candidate you supported did not win.

Love does not boast – don’t gloat if the candidate you supported did win.

Love is not proud – don’t be too proud to admit that God instituted Obama as the next leader of our country. Don’t be too proud to be respectful.

Love is not rude – there is no excuse for rudeness towards Obama or people who voted for him.

Love is not self-seeking – how can we consider Obama’s needs at this time? Pray for him and his family! Pray God’s blessing and protection over them. Pray for the decisions he will be making. Pray for comfort and peace as they plan his grandmother’s funeral. Pray for strong relationships with his wife and daughters.

Love is not easily angered – does he make you mad? Choose love instead.

Love does not keep record of wrongs – If you have a record of Obama’s “wrongs”, choose forgiveness instead.

Love does not delight in evil – do NOT wish evil against him. Jokes about assassinations or hate crimes are just not funny.

Love rejoices with the truth – think of reasons you like Obama, ways he upholds Scriptural truth, and rejoice! Thank God for those things!

Love protects – stand up for him when others slander his name.

Love trusts – God chose Obama to lead this country. Do you trust God?

Love hopes – I am sick of the “I’m moving to Canada!” “Our nation is in serious trouble” talk. We have clean water and religious freedom – our situation is far from hopeless.

Love perseveres – Obama may do things while in office that you disagree with. Love him anyways. This may happen a lot. Still, choose love. Love is a choice, not an emotion. It is not a once in a lifetime choice, but a daily and hourly choice. Remind yourself often that you have forfeited the right to choose who you will love. Keep loving him. And loving him. And loving him.

I did not vote for Barak Obama, but I love Barak Obama.

And she never blogged about politics again.