Dear Church Family,
As your pastor, I made a decision long ago not to address political issues from the pulpit or in conversations with members of our congregation unless I felt a clear prompting from the Holy Spirit. Over the years, there have been only a few occasions when I’ve been led to speak on political matters, and just once did I feel compelled to preach on such a topic. In this current season, where political tensions seem to run higher than ever, I don’t feel called to bring up any specific political issues. Instead, I want to offer some biblical principles to guide you as you navigate this election season.
First, we are called to represent Jesus not only in what we say but in how we say it. The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:15 that we should "speak the truth in love." It's not enough to have the right words; our tone, our heart, and our attitude must reflect Christ. Even when we disagree with others, we are still called to maintain love, grace, and humility. While Jesus’ ministry was full of teaching and compassion, there is only one recorded instance where He acted out of righteous anger—when He cleared the temple in John 2:13-17. This shows that such responses should be exceedingly rare for Christians, reserved for moments when God’s holiness is being directly profaned.
Second, our faith is not in political leaders; our faith is in the Lord. Regardless of the outcome of any election, God remains sovereign. Psalm 47:8 says, "God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne." Political leaders come and go, but God's rule is eternal. As much as the political landscape may shift, let’s not fall into fear or despair. Remember, it is the Lord who directs history. He can use even the most broken systems and people to accomplish His divine will (Proverbs 19:21). So, we don’t need to worry that the world will end if one candidate or another wins—God is still in control.
Third, as Christians, we have the same rights as any other citizens to participate in shaping our nation’s future. While I choose to remain silent on political matters from the pulpit, I believe that as disciples of Christ, you are fully entitled to engage in public discourse. In fact, some might argue that we have a responsibility to bring our Christian values into the public sphere. Matthew 5:13-16 calls us to be salt and light in the world. This means we are to influence the culture around us, standing for what is true, just, and right, but always with the spirit of Christ—never in anger or malice.
In closing, much more could be said on these points, but I encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can represent Jesus during this election season. Let’s be guided by the Holy Spirit, so that even in political discussions, we are pointing others beyond politics and toward the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. As Philippians 2:14-15 urges us, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation."
May we be living witnesses of His love, grace, and truth in every conversation so that others might come to know Him through our words and actions. Let’s fix our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith and trust that He is working all things for His glory.
In Christ's Love,
Pastor William