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A few years ago, during a presidential election, a long-time friend and I were not on the same page regarding voting.  She was adamant that her candidate was the best for our nation, and I thought her choice was awful and mine superb.

“I just love my country!” She exclaimed with pride and defiance. 

At that moment, I decided that continuing the conversation could adversely affect a 50-year-old friendship.  I simply retorted, “I understand you do.”   We changed the subject.

The truth is that I love my country, too.  We both adored America so much that we mistakenly believed one loved it more than the other.  Because we presume one political party is better or one candidate is more promising for the country, it does not allow us to believe our patriotism is stronger or sounder.

We are loving our nation to death if we cannot understand that true patriotism benefits our country, not divides it.  America consists of a diverse, thinking population, and we should not belittle or demean those who vote for or support another candidate or party.  Embracing differing views is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our strength as a nation.

Healthy, heated political debates have always been a part of our democratic process.  But today, we are so politically divided that it has diminished America’s character and honor.   Folks are leaving their homes to relocate to areas they feel are harmonious with their political stance, which is outrageous and sad.  Do we prefer our neighbors to look, act, and behave according to our political perspectives and shun those who don’t?  How does that behavior build a productive society?

True patriots do not harm our fellow citizens, demean our neighbors, or storm our capitol.  True patriots are those who serve and defend our nation.  They are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who are of various ethnicities.  True devotion to a country comes from treasuring and respecting our fellow citizens.  “Love thy Neighbor” does not mean caring only for those who vote, think, or look the same as you.

God made us as individuals.  We are all unique, and in that difference, we must find the common ground on which we thrive. 

Over the last few years, Americans have politicized everything, including wars, health, weather, and violence.  How do such political extremes help us?     Sometimes, it does take a catastrophe to remind us that a united village is needed to rebuild damaged homes and a nation.

If we think God doesn’t value and treasure each American citizen and the inhabitants of other countries, we are sadly mistaken.  He demands we love and not hate.  God has shown us through history that the adoration of money and power will destroy us.  He has warned us of the danger of hostility and bias.

When we espouse our beliefs and are absolutely positive that we are correct and others are not, could we be wrong?  Did we spread an incorrect message, believe in an errant conspiracy, back the worst candidate, or do our homework? 

Humility and self-reflection in political discourse are crucial for fostering an environment of open-mindedness and introspection.

Who are we to think we love our nation more than our neighbor because we support a politically different philosophy?  It is our right to choose.  It is called freedom.

It is abhorrent that, because of personal ideology, we decided that division is better than unity because it makes us more comfortable in our environments.  We watch news supporting our choices and listen to podcasts reinforcing our assumptions.  Instead, we could open our minds, find solutions, compromise, and stop pointing fingers.

True patriots spilled blood worldwide to protect our rights and grow this nation into a peaceful, cohesive country.  I am sure they never dreamed that one day, we would prefer to divide, dismantle, and demean it with our deadly biases.

Do I love my country?  You bet, and I am sure you must, too.  All should remember that it is through diversity that we gain, not lose, our perspective on life, liberty, and equality. 

Only through kindness, integrity, and respect can we solve problems and rebuild trust.  We must believe we can heal, move onward, and behave with godliness.  Patriotic Americans are not defined by labels but believe in a country built on service and dedication to our Constitution. 

We should love our nation not to death but love it enough to honor and respect all its citizens.  After all, we, the people, are America.  Let’s unite in our love for our country, appreciate each other’s differences, and work towards a brighter future, inspiring hope and a sense of collective responsibility for a better tomorrow.