Christian Politics

Published: Dec. 28, 2019, midnight

b'There is one sure way to start an argument in a room full of people: start talking aboutpolitics. Social media feeds are full of opinions about politics and political officers\\u2014overflowing with conversations laced with fear and anger. Wherever these conversations take place, we as humans can be very negative and even hateful toward those we disagree with.\\nBut, as Christians, where should we stand as far as politics? There\\u2019s no verse in Scripture that says, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153You shall be a Republican\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d or \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153You shall be a Democrat.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d In fact, there are Christians on both sides.\\nWhat the Bible is clear about is that we should always stand on the side of love of God and others\\u2014we are called to love our neighbors and pray for our enemies. So, even if a certain politician or party that we are against feels like our enemy, we are called to love them and pray for them. As today\\u2019s Bible passage says, it\\u2019s easy to pray for someone we like and agree with. But we are truly following God when we pray for those who have different opinions about politics than us, thinking the best of them (Philippians 4:2-8).\\nSo, when we find someone who has different political beliefs than we do\\u2014 instead of responding in hatred and fear\\u2014we should treat them with love and respect. As Christians, we are called to show God\\u2019s love to others\\u2014the same love God showed to us through Christ (Romans 5:8). \\n\\u2022 Are you strongly for or against a certain political party or politician? If so, how do you treat those who have a different opinion than you? \\n\\u2022 Why is it important for us to pray for those in political offices (1Timothy2:1-4)? \\n\\u2022 Why is it important for us to show God\\u2019s love to others even when we do not agree with them? \\nBut I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 (NLT)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nMatthew 5:433-48; 22:34-40'