OPINION:
I’ve written previously about the deep-seated anger and aggression that characterize modern American politics. I’ve witnessed the animosity between political factions, which permeates our lives, social media feeds, and even the church. Christians are often labeled as hypocritical and judgmental rather than being known for their love, as Jesus intended.
One of the fellow pastors at my church recently posed the issue this way: “Is the goal to defend my position or to win over their souls?”
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The former excuses all kinds of bad behavior. The latter leads you to think about love, humility, and the grace of Jesus.
If my goal is to get you right with God, then I’m going to love, respect, and dialogue with you. I’ll take no pleasure in making you look dumb because I care about tomorrow’s conversation and not just today’s. When it comes to politics, remember the command to love one another.
In 1 Peter 2, Peter tells us to submit to the governing authorities, even loving those who persecute us. Notice what comes before and after his words about politics:
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“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us… . But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” – 1 Peter 2:12; 3:15, 3:16
They might not agree with you, might not believe like you, but when others trash people like you, their consciences will preach, “But she’s a good person.”
What if you and I loved those with whom we disagreed? What doors might open for a real conversation? What drama might be avoided if we knew each other better?
Let’s turn to Scripture for some more insights. Jesus’ disciples included Matthew and Simon the Zealot. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew was working as a tax collector, meaning he was on the government’s payroll. And when Jesus called Simon to follow him, he was a Zealot, a member of an anti-government group that was known for random acts of terrorism and sedition against the state.
This was Big Government vs. “Boo! Government!” But Jesus chose both men!
Jesus’ love reaches across the aisles, inviting all to be saved, and at the same time, all to be changed. Matthew would need to repent of his greed and extortion and Simon of his rebellion and violence.
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But Jesus didn’t wait until they got everything right. He loved them first, and that love changed their behavior.
If Matthew and Simon teach us anything, it’s that Jesus loves all kinds of people. The Son, sent from the Father, is proof that God loves the whole world.
As the church, that means we are to be patient, respect, include, and love all people. But it’s easier to block, unfollow, and avoid people whom you disagree with, so why would you put in the effort to do otherwise? The answer is found in the gospel.
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy … do not conform to the pattern of this world” – Romans 12:1-2
Why not conform? Because God did right for us when we were wrong. He didn’t lock us up in hell but set us free to enjoy heaven. Jesus endured the injustice of the cross so that you and I can experience everlasting joy.
“[God] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” – 1 Timothy 2:4-6
Why live at peace with your political enemies? Because God made peace with you. He died as a ransom, a price paid to bring you back to God. That’s what God wants for all people.
“‘[Jesus] himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed’” – 1 Peter 2:24
Why live for righteousness? Why not get revenge? Because Jesus didn’t. He took our sins and healed our incorrectness.
He forgave us. For the posts, words, disputing, for everything. That’s grace. Unearned love. And once that gets in you, you’re ready to love because you know how much he first loved you.
Legend says Matthew was stabbed in the back, martyred in Ethiopia as an immigrant who preached against injustice and stood up for grace. Simon wouldn’t stop talking about Jesus, so he was crucified. A tax collector and a Zealot on the same team.
How? They met the same Jesus. They experienced the same grace.
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Excerpt taken from “Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don’t” by Mike Novotny (© 2024 Time of Grace Ministry).
Mike Novotny is an author, pastor, and speaker who holds a Master of Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Mike is the lead speaker for Time of Grace, a global media ministry that exists to point people to what matters most: Jesus. In his latest book, “Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don’t,” he covers deeply personal, vulnerable, and emotional topics, handling them with grace and respect. “Taboo” is a must-read for Christians looking for a biblically based resource to modern questions.
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