“Should I stay or should I go?” (The Clash).  Since the Referendum in June 2016, we have seen families, our nation and Parliament divided by different opinions over Europe. But—as   written in a statement by CofE Bishops in December 2018—”at the heart of the Christian message is Jesus’ command to love our   neighbour. This includes those with whom we agree and disagree: at home, in Europe and further afield.”

As we celebrate St Valentine’s Day this month, how can we conduct this debate in a loving way? The Apostle Peter reminds us: ‘Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.’ (1 Peter 2:17).

Respect everyone: However much we may disagree with another people’s perspective, we should respect them as people. This applies even if they don’t respect our views!

Love the church: among the family of believers there should be an even greater respect for each other!0 The way we treat each other not only reveals the depth of our love; it will also cause people to glorify God and want to be part of the family.

Fear God: we must demonstrate our allegiance to God by   putting Him first and following His leading. Of course, this doesn’t stop Christians from having different opinions to each other.

Honour those in authority: we are called to honour those who are in authority over us ‘for the Lord’s sake’. Even when we disagree with their decisions and actions, we should keep our respect and not speak ill of them.

Peter is calling us to live with the freedom to make up our own mind on Europe, while listening to what others say. ‘A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a         perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.’ (Martin Luther).

Rev Paul Hardingham writing in parishpump.co.uk