I am irritated by the inconsistency of pious people who choose compatriotism over compassion.

‘Com’patriotism is ideologically, and usually sub-group, driven.

Compatriotism draws a line in the sand and vilifies anyone on the other side of that line.

During the Bolshevik Revolution communism was definitely ideological and the ‘party’ was strongly ideologically driven. Within it were ‘compatriots’ who were not reflective of, nor associated with, strong Russian nationalism and ideation, the Bolsheviks were a sub-group.

Compatriotism was strong within virtually every revolution that history has recorded. The French had their compatriots who purged the ranks of those originally participating in the overthrow of the French sovereignty.

There was in the beginning of our republic, and continues to be, an element in U.S. patriotism that redefines loyalty – casting aspersions about anyone who questions absolute authority and absolute ideals.

God has not called us to that mentality. It is written, “let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”

·        This is a call to service

·        This is a call to humility

·        This is a call to grace

·        This is a call to compassion

Don’t be caught up in emotionalism whether in nationalism or in spirituality. We are to think as Jesus would think – and act as Jesus would act.