While there may be many reasons to celebrate after this election, namely the check on an administration and movement that has routinely represented the worst instincts found in humanity, I would encourage restraint on the part of the victors. Research shows that we tend to find more pleasure in seeing our opponents defeated than seeing our own side succeed. There is nothing wrong with pursuing justice, but one must be aware of the innate tendency to find sadistic pleasure in seeing others fail.

What we desperately need is more moderation and forbearance. The pendulum swings both ways, and one extreme leads to its mirror opposite eventually. It requires a certain level of maturity to balance the tensions found in life’s opposites. This can be painful to practice, but emotionally mature people must be willing to experience this pain. It’s no sellout to one’s own convictions to make the attempt to understand the other side. Mockery and ridicule never converted anyone. Reflect on if it ever worked with you.

We can engage in healthy criticisms without denigrating into ad hominem attacks or assuming that the motives of others are rooted in evil intentions. We must notice and call out that tendency in ourselves when we begin to look at our neighbors as less than deserving of dignity and respect. We must see the plank in our own eyes if we hope to have any positive influence with others (Matthew 7:3-5).

So, while for many there may be many reasons to celebrate Tuesday night, I would caution against being too proud. The victory should come with a certain level of humility. To have the power is to have a great responsibility. The mature will reflect on what it felt like when the pendulum swung the opposite way. This is not a new way of thinking: “Why not rather be wronged?” (1 Corinthians 6:7) was the message of Saint Paul nearly 2,000 years ago. This attitude is just as relevant for us today.