Read Time: 4 min 12 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

POLITICS

Debate Night

Former President Trump and Vice President Harris had their first debate Tuesday night. The candidates shook hands, but a vibrant friendship seems unlikely.

Trump worked to show how Harris is connected to the policies of her boss, President Biden. He also blamed her for economic and immigration issues and criticized her for changing her stances in order to win votes.

From the other podium, Harris accused Trump of lying and name-calling. She said he’s out to help himself and his wealthy friends, not the American people. Her campaign hopes the night also showed Harris (age 59) as the sharper candidate compared to Trump (age 78).

Polls before the debate show a very tight race between Harris and Trump; 30% of voters said the debate might impact their choice in November. Polls after the debate show that 63% of viewers thought VP Harris had a better showing.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether you’re on a debate stage or arguing with a sibling, it’s tempting to argue your point until your conversation partner admits defeat bitterly. But believers have a goal that’s bigger than winning an argument: loving our neighbors and showing them what Christ is like.

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.” 
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Before and after the debate, VP Harris and former President Trump shook hands and offered each other a smile.

Even when you disagree with others on your most strongly held values, it is a mark of compassion and character to dignify people who bear God’s image. Peter reminds us to speak about our hope (and everything, for that matter) “in a gentle and respectful way” (1 Peter 3:16 NLT). When we show respect and speak kindly, even when we’re tempted not to, our conscience is clear, and our “good life” in Christ is on display if anyone accuses us of wrongdoing.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Politicians are famous for lying (or giving half-truths) and breaking promises, but we don’t have to worry about this with God.

God “cannot lie,” and his “word is truth” (Titus 1:2; Psalm 119:160). He is reliable, trustworthy, and will uphold every promise.

Because we are “in him who is true,” deceitfulness and lies and manipulation of the facts have no place among believers (1 John 5:20). Thankfully, God has helped us become truth-tellers by giving us his “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17).

• End disagreements (or if you’re a parent, end punishments) with a hug or a high five. A physical sign of affection will remind your conversation partner that a disagreement doesn’t define your relationship.

• Memorize John 14:6, “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

• Pray that God would help you disagree with kindness and be a person of truth.

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A true master…