The 2016 U.S. election was unprecedented in a way that turned Americans against each other. It divided families, broke up friendships and turned neighbor against neighbor.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll with interviews in rural United States and across some of the most politically charged battleground states, interviews with counselors and voters suggest this election stood out by summoning passions, anger and a divisiveness in ways that will make healing difficult.
In the survey, 15 percent of respondents said they had stopped talking to a family member or close friend as a result of the election. For Democrats, this shoots up to 23 percent, compared to 10 percent for Republicans. And 12 percent had ended a relationship because of it.
Much of the anger was uncorked on social media even with torrents of abuse that is publicized and thus will be hard to undo.
Fourteen percent of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they had blocked a family member or close friend from social media because of the election. For Democrats, this rises to 23 percent compared to 8 percent for Republicans.
The divisions have torn into the fabric of some communities. Such anger and betrayal leading to hatred and division are Signs of the Last Days that Jesus pointed out in Matthew 24. And the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3 said that in the Last Days such will lead to perilous times when people are mean and unforgiving.
One person interviewed said, “This is one of those crossroads crisis moments in history.” We pray for America it will remember and turn back to the Holy Scriptures teaching that forgiveness and reconciliation leading to unity and strength is provided through the plan of God in Christ the Lord.