LOVING THOSE WHO DIFFER FROM YOU POLITICALLY IN 2024

“Jesus Unites… Politics Divides” – Andy Stanley

Has there ever been a time in American history that we have been as politically divided as we are now? Politics has become an “us vs. them” attitude; We need to brace for the slew of political memes, sarcastic jokes, and negative articles that will undoubtedly fill social media over the next few months. In this election season and beyond, we must ask ourselves this rhetorical question: If we only love those who vote like us, what makes us any different from the rest of the world?

Anyone can love someone who loves them. And some people can love those who are not attached to their lives in any way. But how many can love those with completely different political views and make your blood boil by denigrating your views? Loving others during these times of political division can be a significant struggle. The constant barrage of conflicting opinions and heated debates often frustrates and disconnects us from those around us. It is hard to love in that environment. Yet that was the standard of Jesus. Jesus commands His followers to love our neighbors as ourselves. He doesn’t tell us to love our neighbors only if they agree with us, vote the same way, or love our political party. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

Love your neighbor as yourself, even if your neighbor is a Democrat. Love your neighbor as yourself, even if your neighbor is a Republican. Love your neighbor as yourself, even if your neighbor hates the candidate you love. Love your neighbor as yourself, even if their ideas for our country scare you. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no wiggle room, fine print, conditions, or exclusions.

The apostle Paul instructed the believers at Ephesus to be kind and forgive one another to unify the church. Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV) says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” He urged Christ’s new followers to put aside the personal and cultural differences that separated them and to move forward together as one body. He would advise us to do the same, regardless of a believer’s political affiliation.

He encouraged us to celebrate the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and life stages in our local communities. He also encouraged us to listen to one another and, above all, to love and respect one another as image-bearers of God.

The Church is infinitely bigger than one country’s two-party system and is made up of believers with many different backgrounds and ideas about politics and government.

Does ‘’loving” one’s political rivals mean ceding elections to them or abandoning our principles and policies to push theirs instead? Of course not. They may still have different political views, but they are no longer our “enemies” when we love like Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. As Christians, how should we react to people with different political opinions?