Political Anger: What is a Disciple to Do?


We've all been there. We are having a nice family get together and someone starts talking about politics. Suddenly there are raised voices, insulting comments, negative stereotypes, and finally the statement "No More Politics!" Politics divides family from family, friends from friends, and splits churches down the middle. Why has politics in America become so divisive? What should we do, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to quell the anger and promote truth and civility when discussing complex political issues?

I think the issue is deeper than the specific issues and personalities of the day. Our anger is rooted in a feeling that no matter what we say, no matter what we do, no matter who we vote for, things are out of our control and getting worse. We feel helpless. We feel that we have been deceived both by the politicians and the media. Some of us feel unfairly accused of being racist, homophobic, xenophobic, unloving, or uncaring about our fellow man. Others of us feel we are being unfairly accused of being socialists, un-patriotic, in favor of the big government, anti-gun, or tree-huggers. We feel out of control, we are afraid of the future, and we don't like what people are saying about us.

There is so much that could be said about specific issues or politicians, but this is a "Discipleship" post about how we should treat one another when we have political differences. I believe that we are living in a time when opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ is increasing globally and has already reached the shore of America. As Disciples, we must not allow the world to divide us against one another. We must watch each other's backs and support one another in all things, including when we have differences of opinions about politics. We need to be so careful of the words that we use, that we do not provoke others to anger and that we do not make sweeping generalizations about anyone, most especially those with who we disagree politically.

The first thing we need to remember is that while we are not in control, God is. That should be a source of great peace and comfort:
  • Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!  Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)
You can read the complete Psalm here: Psalm 46

God is in control. He has a plan. He has revealed that plan. He has foretold the future, and the prophecies are coming to pass as we speak. In Matthew 24 Jesus laid out what would happen in the future. Many of these things have been happening throughout the Church age, some are yet future, but (I believe) very soon. Jesus spoke of the last days before the "Great Tribulation":
  • “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."  Matthew 24:9-14
We are certainly living in a time of great lawlessness, and a time when our love is growing cold. We need to rekindle that love. First, we need to love our fellow believers no matter what political opinions or affiliations they hold. Then we need to really pray that God would give us the ability to do something that is completely impossible for the natural man. We need to love our enemies.
  • “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you ..."  Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus illustrated how we can love our enemy in practical ways in The Parable of the Good Samaritan. Paul said in Romans 12:18,20,21:
  • If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 
  • If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
  • If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
  • For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.
  • Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
If we apply the principle of loving our enemies to those with whom we disagree passionately about their politics, let us take the example of abortion. We need at least one specific issue to illustrate the more general truth. Now let me say at the outset that there are medical reasons for abortion, particularly when the life of the mother must be saved. These are very difficult decisions between a woman and her doctor which I believe should be protected by law. But abortion as a method of birth control, especially when there are so many other ways to prevent pregnancy should be illegal, in my opinion. You may not agree with me and if so, feel free to make a comment. 

I think abortion is the taking of human life and I feel very strongly about it. How then should I, as a compassionate disciple of Jesus Christ express my viewpoint? Should I call the women who make the decision, the doctors who perform the abortion or the politicians who say it should be legal, "baby killers"? I think we need to understand that many who advocate the pro-choice position, have given a great deal of thought to it and are just as convinced of the rightness of their position as we are.

Even if we believe they are 100% wrong and deceived, we need to love and respect them as people, especially if they are in our families or churches. We should express our point of view as lovingly as possible, then pray for God to show them the truth. As we learn to give love, respect, and honor to people who are close to us, then we can do the same for politicians and doctors we have never met. Of course, there are times we need to discuss political issues of our day, but we need to do so with truth and civility, not only towards one another but also those politicians with who we might disagree.

Forgiving a person does not mean we condone their behavior or ideas. In fact, the opposite is true. We can't really forgive someone who has done nothing wrong. To forgive we must see that they are a lost sinner, blinded by Satan, destined for Hell, and in desperate need of salvation. Jesus forgave the soldiers who nailed Him to the cross and the people who mocked him as he suffered excruciating pain. Jesus calls us as his disciples to follow him anywhere, even to the cross. Our brothers and sisters all over the world are forgiving their persecutors today, as we speak. How then do we find it so hard to forgive one another when we hold differing opinions on something so petty as political opinions?

I'm sure this post does not cover everything that needs to be said about dealing with political anger. I hope it is a good start and we can build on this later.

All scripture references from the New King James Version.

Image Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35406324

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