I’ve seen it happen, over and over again. Christians who claim to be Christ followers placing their political agenda before anything else. This article is not saying Christians should not stand up for their beliefs, because they should. But when standing up for their beliefs leads to them treating others in anger and hatred, something is very wrong.
I’ve heard several comments coming from Christians such as, “Well, if they don’t like what I post on Facebook, they can just unfriend me! I don’t care.” Should this really be the attitude of someone who claims to follow a God whose greatest commandment to Christians is to love God and then others? Sadly, politics has torn America and has kept many relationships apart.
I get it. When it comes to politics, it’s easy to get angry and frustrated when someone just can’t seem to understand your point of view. It’s easy to wonder how someone could possibly even hold onto their belief. Where is the common sense? Everyone has grown up in different environments and circumstances which has in return shaped their worldview. Even though everyone’s life looks different, there is one thing we all have in common: a need for Christ.
No matter what someone else believes, or how wrong their worldview might seem, if you claim to be a follower of Christ, your goal and focus should be to love. You should love them because they are created in God’s image and He died for them too. One quote from a friend that really changed my attitude towards politics was, "I want to be known for my love of Christ, not my political beliefs."
It can be easy to fall into the trap of looking at someone and all you can think about is their last Facebook post that you didn’t agree with, or a comment they made that goes against what you stand for. Instead of looking at people through the political lends, try to seem them as Christ does. If they are a fellow Believer, then strive for unity. If they are not a Christian, use every opportunity to be an ambassador for Christ.
Don’t get the idea that I’m saying Christians should be doormats who don’t open their mouths and fight for their beliefs. It is vital to stand up for truth and fight for what is right. But do not get so caught up fighting for your beliefs that you lose focus and build anger and hatred toward those who do not agree.
If you are a Christian fighting for your beliefs that align with the Bible, remember that often, people who do not agree with you may not know Christ, so how could you expect them to agree? Treating them as lesser than as a result will never attract them to the love of Christ that you should be showing.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)