I’m a writer, not a political junkie, but I have to admit that the claims of political candidates offer rich fodder for writers. Wouldn’t it be a hoot if a writer twisted the claims around until the truth evolved?  Truth might spell the end of political careers.  Even worse, truth about their own parties will drive staunch party people to despair.

I read an interesting article today from the Lincolnton, NC Lincoln Times-News http://tinyurl.com/9mjpt4d.  The headline said, “Both Presidential Campaigns are Lying.”  So tell me something I didn’t already know!

After reading the article, I came to the conclusion that supporters of all candidates will benefit by following the prescription set forth by Jesus in Luke 6:41-42 (that’s in the New Testament of the Bible):   “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye?  Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.”  NRSV

I’m seeing excellent advice in the passage.  Use nonpartisan sources such as www.factcheck.org or www.snopes.com to find out the difference between truths and half-truths and outright lies MY candidate tells (get the speck out of my own eye) before I denounce the lies YOUR candidate tells (the speck in your eye).

Earlier in Luke chapter 6, Jesus says it is no credit to us to love people who love us back.  I wish he had kept quiet on the subject.  The hard part is loving the “other.”  I’m not advocating for anyone to love the other candidate.  However, one of the men running will be our next president.  At least we can know the truth about his platform.