Election season can stir up feelings of dread – weariness from endless political ads, anxiety about difficult conversations, and even a desire to avoid the subject altogether. For many, it’s become a time of frustration and division. But we were made for more than this.
How should we engage in politics as Christians?
As followers of Jesus, we don’t place our hope in the outcome of an election. Our story is much bigger than politics. History, including elections, is just part of a larger narrative – one where Jesus will return and reign forever. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
So how can we, as Christians, reflect this bigger story in the way we engage with politics? Here are five practical ways:
1. Don’t lose your mind over the election
If we believe that living for God’s kingdom is more compelling than living for politics, we need to act like it. We should be steady, knowing that God’s plan is bigger than any election result.
The way we handle the political climate speaks volumes about our faith. If people see us crumble over politics while claiming to trust God, it might make the message of Jesus seem less appealing.
Our hope is in Christ, not in political outcomes. Romans 13:1 reminds us, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” This doesn’t mean we ignore political engagement, but it does mean that we don’t need to panic.
Reflect
- How can I remind myself that God’s kingdom is more important than political outcomes during election season?
- In what ways might my reactions to political events reflect where I place my hope?
- Are there moments when my focus on politics overshadows my trust in God’s greater plan?
2. Listen with love
Listening with love is crucial, especially when it comes to politics. James 1:19 says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
Engaging with people who have different views is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Jesus. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone, but it does mean you need to be understanding and respectful of their perspective.
Seek out people with different viewpoints. Build relationships that extend beyond political differences. As Christians, our ability to love people – even those we disagree with – will set us apart in a world that often thrives on division.
Reflect
- How well do I listen to people with political views that are different from mine? What might it look like to listen more intently with love?
- Am I seeking to understand others, or simply waiting for an opportunity to share my perspective?
- How can I engage with people who think differently in a way that demonstrates the love and grace of Jesus?
3. Remember – actions speak louder
Actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to politics. Loving people doesn’t mean you have to abandon your beliefs. Instead, you can model what loving disagreement looks like.
Matthew 5:16, Jesus challenges us to “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
It’s important to show others that it’s possible to disagree while maintaining respect and friendship. Demonstrating grace and kindness in political conversations reflects Christ’s love and creates space for healthy dialogue.
Reflect
- How do my actions during political conversations reflect my faith in Jesus?
- Am I modeling respect and kindness in my political interactions, even when I disagree?
- How can I better demonstrate what it looks like to disagree with love and grace?
4. Don’t be one-dimensional
Be careful not to let your political views define your interactions – or determine who you interact with. Philippians 2:4 encourages us to “look out not only for your own interests but take an interest in others, too.”
It’s easy to become one-dimensional and shallow in our relationships when we give politics too much control. Have you found yourself keeping a distance from people you disagree with? Has your view of others been colored by what you know (or perceive) their political views to be – for better or worse?
The antidote is to intentionally build depth in your relationships. Talk about shared interests, ask how you can pray for them, and show genuine concern for their well-being. Let your relationships reflect the richness and complexity of the Gospel, which goes far beyond political differences.
Reflect
- Have my relationships become centered around politics? How can I deepen those connections beyond surface-level?
- What shared interests or common ground can I focus on in conversations to build richer relationships?
- How can I encourage deeper conversations that focus on the goodness I see in others, rather than political differences?
5. Actually love people
1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love each other because [God] loved us first.” This is the foundation of how we should approach every relationship, including those that cross political lines. Real love goes beyond trying to soften someone’s political stance – it’s about truly caring for them as a person.
Loving others is not trying to convert them to a specific political party – or even to Christianity. To love others the way Jesus commands, we must reflect the unconditional love that God has shown us. It’s through this kind of love that people may become open to hearing about the hope we have in Jesus.
Reflect
- Am I really trying to love people, or am I trying to change their political or religious views?
- How can I better reflect God’s unconditional love to those in my life, even those with opposing beliefs?
- What steps can I take to grow in love for others, especially those I disagree with politically?
Remember who’s really in control
In an election year, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress and division that often accompanies politics. But as Christians, we are called to something greater. We are citizens of heaven, and our story is much bigger than the outcome of any election. By engaging in politics with love, patience, and grace, we can point others to the one true King: Jesus.
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Looking for more encouragement during a politically divided time? Check out this Bible Reading Plan that will help you survive election season.
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