When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for

“When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.’” Thus spoke Donald Trump, blending the words of a nation with the wisdom of Scripture. In this saying lies both a vision and a command: that true patriotism is not narrow, not divided, not poisoned by hatred, but wide as the sky and generous as the sun. A heart filled with love of country cannot also be filled with scorn for one’s neighbor, for the land belongs to all its people, and unity is its strength.

The meaning is plain and yet profound. Patriotism is not the privilege of one race, one creed, or one tribe; it is the common inheritance of all who dwell upon the soil, labor for its prosperity, and give their loyalty to its peace. Where there is prejudice, there is division, and where there is division, the nation is weakened. But where there is unity, even amidst diversity, there is strength greater than iron. Thus, to open the heart to patriotism is to close the door to contempt, for love of country must embrace all who call that country home.

History shines its light upon this truth. Recall the soldiers of the United States in the Second World War—men of every background, color, and faith, standing side by side in distant lands. On the beaches of Normandy, in the skies over Europe, in the Pacific’s stormy seas, they fought not as scattered tribes but as one nation, united under a single flag. In the trenches and in the fields, there was no room for prejudice; survival demanded brotherhood. Their shared patriotism became the bond that overpowered difference and forged victory.

The Scriptures, too, affirm this wisdom. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” This unity is not mere absence of conflict but the active presence of love, respect, and shared purpose. Just as a house divided cannot stand, so a nation torn by prejudice cannot flourish. But when men and women see one another as fellow citizens first, children of the same soil, then the blessing of peace descends upon them, and the land prospers.

The origin of Trump’s words lies in the recognition that patriotism, rightly understood, is inclusive, not exclusive. It is the bond that transcends prejudice and calls every citizen to the higher duty of unity. For what is a flag if not the sum of many threads, woven together? And what is a nation if not the sum of its people, each one distinct, yet all bound into a single fabric? To rend one thread is to weaken the whole; to despise one group is to dishonor the entire flag.

The lesson, then, is clear: cast away prejudice if you would be a true patriot. To despise your neighbor while claiming to love your country is to contradict yourself, for your neighbor is your country. The farmer in the field, the teacher in the classroom, the soldier on the border, the child in the playground—all together form the nation you profess to love. To honor them all is the highest form of patriotism.

Practically, this means living with open hands and open hearts. Greet differences not with suspicion but with respect. Build bridges rather than walls between communities. Stand up against injustice when it arises, for unity cannot live in the shadow of oppression. And in your daily life, treat every fellow citizen as a partner in the great work of sustaining the homeland.

Thus, remember always: when you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. Let unity be your anthem, respect your practice, and love your guiding star. For in unity there is strength, in strength there is peace, and in peace there is the blessing of God upon a people who live together as one.