James 3:17-18

The following is from the Virginia Museum of History and Cultural and contains an important lesson for our nation, especially as the polarization of the two major political parties continues to grow.

“After Appomattox, Ulysses S. Grant was the savior of the Union, while Robert E. Lee was the greatest hero of the Lost Cause. Their roles during the war had been clear. It was now time for each to find ways to be of service during peacetime. Lee decided to work during the postwar period to restore the Union. He preached submission to authority, promoted political harmony, and became president of Washington College to prepare the next generation of southern men to become useful citizens.

As general of the army, Grant demanded that former Confederate officers be treated fairly, while at the same time he determined when and where to position peacekeeping troops in the South. As president, he sought to maintain the peace and restore economic prosperity. His goal was to protect all citizens, including the freed people and Native Americans, and he dealt fairly with foreign nations. While scandals would later rock his administration, Grant never profited from the machinations of his subordinates.”

Had the example of these two men been followed, some of our sad history could have been avoided.

But that is history. Soon the impeachment trial of President Donald John Trump will be history. One side will win, and the other side will lose. Whether the nation wins or loses will depend on whether the powerbrokers in Washington and those who march to their cadence accept defeat or victory with the same spirit that was manifested by Grant and Lee.

James reminds us, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:17-18).