Given the fact that not all people have the exact same political convictions (not even all solid Evangelical Christians), that our country is more important than our individual views, and that we have been through a nasty, hostile, and polarizing political season, I have a suggestion and request. Let's give it a rest.

Relationships are more crucial to building national well being than legislation. Legislation itself, depends on cooperation. Good will is more characteristic of the American experience and aspiration than pervasive bigotry and mistrust. People are willing to bend toward opposing ideas when respected and heard.

All these factors are ample reasons to give the infighting, backbiting, inciting, igniting, and left-righting a much needed rest. Rest from the insults, innuendos, accusations, assumptions, generalizations, characterizations, manipulations, politicization, polarizations, and pious pronouncements along with dire predictions and victory marches. Just rest.

Rest is good. Regroup, rethink, retool, and reflect.

Your opponent's motives are not all wrong and your presumptions are not all right. Knowing that is a good mix of graciousness and humility.

It would be nice to have a conversation with friends I love and respect without having to choose between biting my tongue or defending my positions.

We can maintain our personal integrity without expressing every opinion we have in every context on all the time. And … my fellow Christians … we might try trusting God and each other a little more … especially the One who said, "Come unto me and rest."

There will be ample time to duke it out. I'd just like a break from it – at least the nasty part of it.