Social media is, it seems, awash with comment on the General Election results, some posts much more edifying than others.  Euphoria in some places, devastation in others, and a fair degree of bewilderment.

I am reluctant to comment for fear of misunderstanding or inadvertently causing hurt or offence (so why am I typing this, I ask myself!) and at the same time feel it would be remiss to say nothing.

A number of scriptural injunctions strike me, and especially these two:

1 Timothy 2: 1 - 4

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Whatever we may feel about the MPs who now represent us locally, or who must work together in some way or other nationally, we are to pray for them, not about them or against them.  Whilst we hear stories of scandal , and whilst there is a lot of mud slinging from pretty much every direction, most politicians are genuine hardworking people who are prepared to give of themselves in the service of others. To pray for them - for wisdom, for integrity, for honesty, for generosity of spirit - can only be a good thing.

Some of my readers will be feeling relieved or happy today.  Others will be feeling devastated or unhappy.  The call to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep is a hard one, especially when the two coexist.  There is a risk that the 'being all things to all people' as the Apostle Paul advocates, can end up with us begin left in bits ourselves.  But for me it's the right call.

Of course I have feelings about the outcomes locally, nationally and UK-wide.  The challenge is to channel those feelings in a positive direction.

This election has crystalised some of my political thinking, not along any party line, but in regard to process.  Over the coming days I will be giving some thought and prayer to what I do with that.