If you’re like me, you’re probably tired of the attack ads (from both parties) that have blanketed our airwaves, flooded our social media feeds, filled our mailboxes, and invaded our text messages. If an extraterrestrial landed on Earth during an election season, based on the ads it might conclude that earthlings choose only terrible people to govern them!

Both parties seem to operate on the same principle: Find (or create) as much mud as possible and throw it at the other side. Some of it will stick. Some people will believe the accusations. And maybe, just maybe, a few votes will be gained in the process.

But is that really the way we want to live? Is that the kind of spirit we want to cultivate in our communities?

I would rather follow the principles the Apostle Paul laid out in his letter to Titus. The Message paraphrases his words this way: “Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God’s people should be bighearted and courteous.” Titus 3:1–2

What if we took those words to heart?

With the election behind us soon, let’s encourage one another (and hold ourselves accountable) to be bighearted and courteous, regardless of who wins or loses. We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can stand firmly for our convictions without tearing down those who see things differently. We can refuse to trade insults for insults or let political differences destroy relationships. Most of all, all of us can pray, “God Bless America, land that I love.” Moreover, we can display our love of country by the ways we treat our fellow citizens. As we have bighearted, courteous love for our neighbors, God will bless us.

No insults. No fights. Just kindness, courtesy, and a willingness to lend a helping hand. Let’s determine to keep America beautiful from shore to shore in our attitudes and willingness to be part of the solution rather than contributing to its problems.

The campaign ads will soon disappear. The text messages will stop. The political signs will eventually come down. But our responsibility to love our neighbors, treat others with respect, and reflect a godly character remains.

Perhaps the most important election-day question is not “does my vote count?” (it does), but even more important “How will I love my neighbors after the votes are counted?”