OPINION:
Navigating politically charged times can often feel overwhelming and disheartening. Disagreements are rampant, tensions run high, and it seems like negativity is everywhere.
Christians have a source of encouragement and strength that transcends the surrounding chaos. Don’t lose relationships with your family and friends over politics. Don’t lose heart through discouragement when things don’t look like they are going in your desired direction.
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Scripture offers five ways to help us stand firm and stay encouraged during these tumultuous seasons through the power of the Holy Spirit.
1. Ground Yourself in Scripture
The Bible is a wellspring of encouragement and wisdom. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us:
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Engaging with Scripture daily provides a Christlike perspective on political issues. God’s Word also offers personal hope. I love Jeremiah 29:11 which promises us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” This can be incredibly reassuring in uncertain political times.
During years of political consulting, when the pressure got too hard I would retreat to Scripture to find hope in the middle of a mud-slinging profession. I knew ultimately that God knew what was going to happen and the calling on the lives of the candidates I’d been hired to help.
2. Pray for Political Leaders
Prayer is a powerful tool. It’s essential to pray not just for our personal needs or even our favorite political issues, but for all leaders — whether we like them or not. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
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By committing to prayer, we shift our focus from chaos to compassion, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom for all involved. Instead of gossip or criticism, our prayers help create the attitude Christ desires for the political issues of our time.
I have seen prayer shift things completely around on campaigns — solving problems and lowering temperatures.
3. Engage in Meaningful Conversations
Many people are tired of political rhetoric and need more of God’s love. Instead of getting caught up in heated arguments, we can focus more on engaging in meaningful, respectful conversations. Discuss the issues and the contrasts between candidates, but ultimately lead the conversation back to Jesus and the Word of God. Use this political season as a time of discipleship and to help you develop leaders.
Our words are powerful! Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to use our words to build others up rather than tear them down. We are to be intentional, even when discussing controversial topics, to show Christ’s love in our interactions with others.
4. Focus on Eternity
It’s easy to get lost in the details of daily political discourse. Though those things are critically important, as followers of Christ, we are called to keep our eyes on the eternal — not just on the temporal. This is extremely hard when fear tries to make us believe that “the world will end” if our candidate doesn’t get elected.
Colossians 3:2 urges us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Philippians 3:20 also reminds us that we have a greater citizenship greater than our identity as Americans — eternal citizenship in Heaven! We may not win every argument or election, but we can seek to reflect Christ’s love as we anticipate eternity with our Savior.
5. Connect with Community
Frustration over politics can lead to isolation. It can cause us to turn inward, cut off relationships, and ultimately find ourselves in a lonely situation. This is a trap of the evil one. We are called to community!
We need to surround ourselves with a supportive community of believers. Whether through church, a small group, or fellowship with friends, sharing life together can provide mutual encouragement. Together, we can pray and find ways to serve those in need, promoting unity and love.
In my book “Jesus and Politics,” I tell the story of how God led me into civic engagement, campaign management, and ultimately to start Christians Engaged to mobilize one million Christians to pray, vote, and engage in the political process. The journey has included many ups and downs, but God has been with me, working through His people and His Word as our movement seeks to point believers toward meaningful political involvement.
The election season can be tense, but we are called to stand firm. When we move forward in faith, we can impact the issues of our day in ways that influence our nation and eternity.
Stay encouraged. God is on the move.
For more information about how you can get meaningfully involved between now and Election Day, follow this link to take the Christians Engaged Pledge.
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Bunni Pounds is president and founder of Christians Engaged, a ministry activating the Body of Christ to pray, vote, and engage regularly, as well as the host of Conversations With Christians Engaged, seen here on The Stream each week. She is also the vice president of civic and church engagement for the Family Policy Alliance and the Family Policy Alliance Foundation. Her personal story, Jesus and Politics: One Woman’s Walk with God in a Mudslinging Profession, was released in February.
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