Undoubtedly, we live in politically polarized times, as affirmed by Gallup and the Pew Research Center. People around the world witness an escalating lack of civility between ideologically opposing parties, both in person and online. Our political climate’s rising temperature enables the dehumanization of people made in the image of God, rampant cancel culture, and even political violence. Tragically, many families struggle to enjoy each other’s company over the holidays due to differing political views. Every day, we see our leaders, politicians, influencers, and community members hurl insults and personal attacks. Unfortunately, many who publicly identify as Christians engage in the same behavior. The world may be a mess, but this is not how it should be among Christians. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors.
Emulate God’s Love
Christians, by definition, are people who claim to follow Jesus’ example. But who is this God we are trying to emulate? The Bible gives a clear, concise answer in 1 John 4:16: “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” We are commanded to love other Christians1 and our neighbors as ourselves.2 According to Jesus in his parable of the Good Samaritan,3 our neighbors include everyone, regardless of groups and affiliations.
Jesus took this teaching even further when he said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44–45).
Thus, it doesn’t matter if we agree with someone; even if we think they couldn’t be more wrong, we are called to love them.
Consider this: if all of the Law and prophets can be summed up into the purpose of loving God and others,4 how does that singular motivation apply to our approach to politics? How does it guide our conversations with people we disagree with?
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
We will certainly encounter ideas that conflict with our Christian values, but nevertheless, we seek peace while standing by our convictions. In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). When living in turbulent times, our peace and ability to mediate difficult situations set us apart. What an honor it is to be able to bring peace!
In Romans, the apostle Paul writes that we are to “live in harmony with one another” and “so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:16–18). By choosing to love our opposition and make peace where we can, we may “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). While it is essential to be able to articulate our positions,5 we cannot force others to agree. Besides, “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Put Anger to Rest
Understandably, sometimes issues that are near to our hearts make us feel angry. Anger can be useful to alert us of an actual or perceived problem, but that anger won’t help us make good decisions or communicate effectively. The Bible tells us not to sin when angry and to put our anger to rest.6 Furthermore, the Bible teaches that fueling anger is the behavior of fools.7 Instead, let us bring our frustrations to God, seek his wisdom, and act if needed with a clear mind. Following Jesus’ example, let us bless, not curse our opposition.8 Holding onto anger only hurts us, and God values justice more than we ever could. We are to leave vengeance to God9 and focus on filling ourselves with the fruit of the Spirit.10
Do not let the enemy pit you against your neighbor; our true battle is spiritual. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul said, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against . . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Your real enemy is not your neighbor, but the enemy of your soul.
Prime Identity in Christ
Identity is core to the human experience, and we define ourselves in many ways. However, our prime identity is in Christ as children of God, not a political affiliation. Thus, our primary citizenship is in the kingdom of God,11 a kingdom that is not of this world.12 We are still subject to the authorities of this world13 and must “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” but render “to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Namely, our hearts and devotion belong to God.
Politics must not become an idol in our lives. We can tell this is the case when we allow hatred or resentment towards our opposition into our hearts instead of love, as Jesus commanded.
Like the Israelites in exile, we are to seek the welfare of wherever God has placed us.14 May we be like salt to preserve goodness—and lights in the darkness of this current age—so that God may be glorified.15 We must pray for our leaders’ salvation and wisdom in ruling.16 As Christians, we have been “crucified with Christ. It is no longer [we] who live, but Christ who lives in [us]” (Galatians 2:20). We represent God as “ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Are we representing God well?
God Is on the Throne
Living in turbulent times, it is so easy to take our eyes off Jesus and panic,17 but ultimately, God is on the throne! Don’t let the enemy steal your joy and peace. There will always be troubles and tribulations, but rest in the Lord’s peace because Christ has overcome the world!18 As children of God, we have been given “a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Jesus gives us his peace and tells us not to be troubled or afraid.19 Do we trust him? The God of the universe can handle our anxieties; we just have to hand them over.
Rejoice in the LORD always . . . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4–7)
God loves us, and we are his children. He will never abandon us,20 and we can take refuge in him.21
Humility
Jesus described himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). If we are following his example, we should also be marked by a gentle spirit and humility. God cares deeply about the condition of our hearts.22 Time and again, God warns us against the sin of pride and encourages humility.23 But how many of us give into pride over politics, acting holier than thou with snobbish attitudes? Are we paying enough attention to the condition of our hearts? Are we putting pride to death and picking up our cross daily so that we can walk humbly in love? “What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Pride and anger over politics are not worth the price of our hearts.
As we see the brokenness in our political system this fall, let us be agents of peace and reconciliation, committing to a love-forward approach that humanizes our opposition and treats all God’s image-bearers with love as ambassadors for Christ. Instead of conforming to divisive attitudes and political idolatry, let the world see that we are different and bless the Lord. May we pray for all to know God and be blessed, as well as for our humility. In a political system pulling us apart, let us be people marked by our radical peace and joy who love our neighbors. “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
By Sabrina-Page Bernardi, MLIS