The first topic I’d like to discuss is politics. This is a bad word for me. America is divided right down the middle because of it right now. More so than ever before in my life. Even Christians have divided themselves into two parties. Democrat Christians and Republican Christians. I’ve heard both say they don’t believe you can be a Christian and be a Republican or vice versa.
As Christians, I ask should we question someone’s Christianity based on their political views, their voting record, their political party of choice, or should we judge them by what the Bible has to say about how we can know one of our own?
Let’s check the Bible for the answers. I’ll list all the verses I find to help us know for sure.
Matt. 5:44 & 7:20; John 15:1-6; Rom. 14:1-23; 1 Cor. 3:1-13 & 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 11:1; Gal. 5:16 & 22-26; Eph. 4:2 &25; Eph. 5:18; Phil. 2:1-12 & 4:7; Col. 3:12-13; 1 Thess. 4:11-12 & 5:11; 2 Tim. 1:12 & 3:9-12; Titus 2:11-14; Heb.11:6 & 12:10-11 & 13:5; James 2:14-26 & 3:17-18; 1 Pet. 4: 7-11 & 15-16 & 5:5-6; 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 John 1:3
These verses give us an idea of what attributes can be found in Christians. Let’s start with Matt. 7: 20 because it’s one most people reference when speaking on this subject. “Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them.”
What are these “fruits” Jesus spoke of? You will find the answers in the verses listed above. I’m not going to type out each verse because I want you to open your Bible and read them for yourselves, but nowhere did I find that we can know each other by our political party of choice. With full confidence, I will say that your thinking is erring if you are guilty of this way of thinking.
Now let’s take a look at some verses to see what the Bible has to say about politics.
Prov. 21:1; Dan. 2:21; Matt. 6:24 & 22:17-21 & 28:18; John 18:36; Acts 5:29; Rom. 12:8 & 13:1-7; Phil. 3:20; 1 Thess. 4:11-12; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:23-24; Titus 3:1 & 9; 1 Pet. 2:17
These are just a few of the verses I feel deal with how we should view politics as Christians. The entire Bible could be viewed as political, as it speaks of a kingdom to come, one where the leaders are already in place. But let’s focus on what our role and attitudes should be regarding politics here on earth. Read through this list of verses, then ask yourself if your attitude and how you treat others with differing political views are in line with Scripture.
First, we must accept the fact that all governing authority comes from God. As Christians, our citizenship is in Heaven. Our ambition should be to live a quiet life and mind our own business. We should pray for ALL those in authority. We should strive to live peaceful lives. We are to have NOTHING to do with stupid and foolish arguments because they produce quarrels. We must not quarrel; we must be kind to everyone. We must be able to teach without being resentful. We must be subject to rulers and authorities, obedient. We must avoid foolish controversies about the law because they are unprofitable and useless. We must show proper respect to everyone. We must love the brotherhood of believers.
Do you find yourself arguing and holding resentment toward others because of their political views or party affiliation? If so, and you claim Christianity, based on what the Bible has to say, I can say that you, fellow Christian, are in err with full confidence.
That’s it for today. Please, read the verses. Search the Bible for more. Reply with any thoughts you might have, or verses you feel are relevant to this subject. Let’s get this conversation started!
Have a great day and God Bless!
Yes I do find myself resenting some people due to their politics. Not necessarily their political affiliation but their support for Trump. They call themselves Christians yet they support such a horrible person. It’s hard
I have thought hard about how to respond to this. I’ve prayed about it and asked God what His response would be. As Christians, our response to everything should be love.
There used to be a day we didn’t know everyone’s political views, the days before Facebook. Our political conversations were between true friends, colleagues, or family. Not that those conversations never got aggressive but they stayed within the confines of our own little circles. I believe everyone has a right to speak their opinions and beliefs and I have a right to agree or disagree. That’s where I have to leave it, agree to disagree. Carrying resentment around doesn’t affect the person you resent, it only robs you of peace. I have found shutting Facebook off has been very beneficial to my peace of mind. That and the most minimal of watching the news. Also, another tool that might help is the unfollow option. More than anything, pray, read the Bible, talk it out with Jesus. Sometimes when we deliberately pray for someone we aren’t that fond of, God works in mysterious ways. I hope this helps. Have a great day!