How Real Christians Love People On the Other Side of the Political Spectrum
How Real Christians Love People On the Other Side of the Political Spectrum
This issue (above) is a very active one today; and it seems clear to me that a lot of God's people are at their wits' end trying to figure out how they can love people who are so diametrically-opposite them with regard to politics (in particular). Hopefully, what I have to share will be some help to you. . . .
First of all, it is important to note, that we do not have the option of not loving people. Politics is certainly no excuse for this. Second of all, learning to love someone you are not naturally inclined to (even) like, is really exciting, and liberating. But certain principles should first be discussed. . . .
Foremost among these is the nature of real (not fake) love. If we love someone, we desire their very best (ultimately in Jesus, of course). So, loving people on the opposite side of the political scale does not allow us to cut them short on this principle of love. The world's solution is usually, "just agree with them," or, "do not 'judge' them," or, "just act like everything is fine," (when it is not).
The supreme requirement to being able to sincerely love someone with whom you have serious and heartfelt disagreements--even about issues that are truly of eternal significance--is being secure in your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I am convinced, that a lot of rancor that Christians feel (or engage in), is the result of their being insecure with regard to their standing with God. If we are confident in our Lord Jesus Christ, we realize that issues of politics do not "unsettle" us or our faith. At the end of the day, if capitalism, socialism, or communism; democracy, dictatorship, or monarchy prevail--the Kingdom of God, the Church of Christ, the Gospel of Grace, is still going to triumph, no matter what.
So, the key to loving people who might hate you (because of your political positions or convictions), is to view them through the lens of grace. If their political views are clearly counter to the gospel, recognize that they are desperately seeking to prop-up their "god," their "religion," their passion. They are as devoted to their god, as you are to yours, (and here, we are assuming love for the true God in Jesus Christ).
Try to engage your friend, your neighbor, your co-worker, your fellow student. Look them in the face; be sincerely willing to listen to them, and to speak kind words to them. Avoid all the bitterness and cruelty that the Word of God clearly condemns. Do not enter into that realm. Keep your head; and stay focused on Jesus and your love for Him, (and His love for you). Show the other person that you are not "undone" by anything he or she has to say; or by the way they treat you.
Loving people with whom you do not agree does not require the shallow approach of pretending that there are not significant disagreements. Instead, it understands that these (in this case, political) differences are not the prime issue, or the subject of greatest importance.
It is when people sense in us the comfortable presence of the Holy Spirit; and the fact that we are completely composed in the midst of what would be a "firestorm" among ordinary people; and when they truly and sincerely can feel that we still genuinely love them--that they may be won to a greater cause, that of embracing Christ by faith.
The tension we feel in our world (especially our own nation) today, is very real. The only answer to it is our Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel of grace. And the only way anyone is ever going to finally break the "stalemate" is by taking a principled stand for the Lord Jesus in such a way that even those who think they hate us, end up loving us. But even if this never happens; and they still do not love us--we should always love them.
Politics is a good gauge of religion; and true religion is never the "handmaiden" of politics, or of anything else in this world.
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #72
30 January 2026
Hi, this is Marie Evans. I hear what you're saying, however, I don't think it's incumbent on the Christian to prove that we are Christians and what to hear their point of view. I'm a Republican, and I make no apologies for it. I don't think it's wise for a Christian to start a political conversation with liberal radicals. It isn't safe. The only people who are running their mouths are the radicals. Normal Democrats aren't out spewing hate. The world already sees Christians as meek and mild, but what they have not seen is the iron fist of justice. There's a time for everything, and Christians need to recognize what situation they are in and stop hiding behind platitudes. I won't go silently into the night and give up my freedoms to thugs. Too many people fought for me to have the rights I have in this country. And, if you think I'm walking into communism, dictatorial, Islamic, or socialist rule without a fight, you're out of touch with reality.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Marie. We do not give up on any of our ideals; but we do engage people in ways that the world does not and cannot do. This supernatural grace allows us to express the truth, but in a way that can be heard. You are a blessing, Marie!
ReplyDeleteDitto, Pastor Mark!
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