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How should followers of Christ engage other on political issues?

November 04, 2022

I appreciated this question because it did not ask whether or not we should be involved or be concerned about political issues, or even whether we should engage in the incendiary nature and potential divisiveness that political conversations bring.

Some followers of Jesus should be very involved in politics. Not everyone, but we need people who take the Bible seriously to step into the public arena and advocate for truth and justice biblically. Most followers of Jesus will not be “in politics.” I have heard that young people are choosing not to be involved, because of the current political climate. However, we can follow the prompting of the Spirit and pray or speak as God leads.

So how should we, as followers of Jesus, engage others? This is not a simple question and there is not one simple answer to fit all situations. Let me offer some general suggestions on how we engage others.

 With thoughtfulness

Scripture says in, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6.

 When posed with a political, moral or ethical question, pause and think through your answer. Think through your tone, think through your setting and who is listening to your answer. We can hold to the truth and not back down from a Biblical perspective. I have often prayed that I would not be offensive and that my answer would be grace filled and salty!  

 

 Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ

Keep in mind that our hope is in Christ alone. We are not counting on a political positon, a politician, nor a political party. Just as we don’t count on our own efforts, our own righteousness, our 401k’s. We trust in Christ alone.

  

Without Rancor

This ties into the first point on thoughtfulness, but needs attention. There is so much rancor in the public arena and airwaves. There is “keyboard courage” that makes the tone of conversations increasingly strident. Talk radio and TV “news” raise our blood pressure and our fears of the worst case. We can begin to think that we need to rise to the level of the competition, but I encourage you to live out the gospel of grace and kindness. Take these issues to God and respond without rancor.

 

Filled with Prayer

Hebrews 5:7-10, "

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek."

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