Dear Christians,

We need to address the way we’re all handling this election. As you know, many Americans have responded with fear and outrage at Donald Trump’s victory. Many Christians I know have urged others on social media to forget their worries and trust in God’s plan. I’ve seen so many posts with statements like, “No Matter Who’s President, Jesus Christ is King!” and “No Matter What Happens, Trust in God.” You’re not wrong for posting these sentiments, and I do agree. Jesus Christ will always be King. Of course I trust in God’s plan, but I also believe that we as Christians are called to carry out that plan. We must pray for our country, but we must also work actively to improve this country.

Don’t get me wrong-I do trust in God. I believe that 20 years from now, everything will be okay. But in the meantime, we have a real crisis on our hands. People are genuinely afraid. In times like these, merely saying “Trust in God” doesn’t properly address those fears.

Why are people afraid, you ask? People are afraid that Trump’s policies will put them in danger. Constitutional checks and balances may prevent Donald Trump from doing too much damage as President. However, his rise has negatively affected many people. The election has sparked hate crimes across the country.

As Christians, it is our duty to comfort victims of these crimes and prevent them from happening in the future. We are all one in Christ Jesus, but prejudice is a very real problems which separates us from acting as one. Regardless of our political beliefs, we can all agree that no one deserves to be mistreated for who they are. We are all children of God, and no child of God deserves to be treated unfairly. We need to show solidarity with these people. Rather than passively declaring our unity, we need to work actively to bridge the gaps and heal the wounds that divide us.

In the letter to James, we are reminded of the necessity of good works. Our acts will show to God and to others that we are believers in Christ. “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” We need to address the needs of those around us to prove we are Christ’s disciples.

Jesus actively helped the outcast. He reached out to the lepers, tax collectors, and Samaritans. We need to do the same and reach out to the rejects of today. We speak out for the child who gets teased in school for being an immigrant. We need to sit next to the Muslim woman who gets eyed with suspicion while riding the train. We need to walk to class with the transgender student who feels unsafe on campus. We need to prevent all forms of discrimination and protect the dignity of every single person. We need to defend others when people speak against them. We need to support others indiscriminately, for we are all children of God. We need to recognize and speak out against systems that oppress the children of God. We need to protect the children of God, and we need to instruct others to do the same.

Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for others.. When the world tries to silence the oppressed, we must speak out. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy”

Here's what God wants: “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place” (Jeremiah 22:3).

So yes, pray for others, and remind others that we are united in Christ Jesus. Urge others to trust in God’s plan. But remember that you are God’s hands and feet, and you need to put God’s plan into action.

Sincerely,