Some Christians claim that angry words about politics are justified.
They point out that Jesus angrily threw the money-changers out of the temple (Matthew 21:12), and He called the Pharisees hypocrites and blind guides (Matthew 23).
But we must not forget this fact: Christ knew every secret motive and every secret sin of every heart. He understood issues fully from every perspective, especially the eternal perspective. His knowledge, character, wisdom, and conclusions were absolutely 100% perfect.
That's not true of us.
We must stand up for Scriptural values, but how we do something is as important to God as what we do.
Scripture commands us to show respect for political offices even if we don’t respect the values of those who fill them (Romans 13:1-7).*
Scripture commands us to pray for leaders, whether we agree with them or not (1 Timothy 2:1-4).*
And whether we speak about politics or any other subject, Scripture commands us to have gracious speech (Colossians 4:6), without unwholesome words or contempt (Ephesians 4:29).
If we want to be heard, humility always speaks louder than rudeness, mockery, or pride.
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* Please note that when these passages were written, the governments in power were very ungodly. Christians are commanded to obey civil authorities unless they command them to violate Scripture (Acts 4:5-20).
You might also appreciate the thoughts in these 1-minute devotions:
Government Courts Shouldn't Be Fairer than Christians
5 Types of People Christians Are Commanded to Respect
The democratic governments of western civilization are turning away from Christ and are encroaching on Christian rights with laws that punish their right to uphold their values in public work places and on abortion funding. Respect does not not negate responsibility for standing up to tyranny. Our founding fathers, Christian men, taught us that.
ReplyDeleteHi Unknown,
DeleteYes, we should speak up for God's laws whether people agree with us or not, but we can do it without rudeness or name-calling. If we express ourselves in rude ways, we defeat the whole purpose.
I cannot speak to my parents about anything without it becoming a political fight. I don't stand for either Republican or Democratic parties because they have gained so much power and seem to aim at confusion and hatred to gain power and money... Yet my parents feel I am a fool and must choose a side... Things have become so bad that it is threatening to end our relationship. I have become so angry and bitter and my parents (especially my father) say I am a fool, stupid and other things I shouldn't mention here. But I have said terrible things as well. My siblings and I are heart broken that my parents have seemed to abandon so much about loving one another that they taught us as children and focus on the Republican party and believe it is lead by a leader who tells no lies and only cares for the people of the United States. They are Catholic, I am now Christian and they do not even accept the Catholic Churches stance on some things because it contradicts Republican ideals. With my parents believing in The Republican party like a religion, along with them rejecting my baptism in the Christian Church (which they take as a direct and deliberate sign of disrespect towards them because it was them who baptised me and them & the Catholic Church who "saved me," according to them) I have so much anger towards them. I cannot hide it anymore and I can't speak to them without them making things political, which set me off and thus we fight. My father during fights aims to cut deep and when he does it so harshly cuts me as he seems to intend and I react by inviting a physical altercation because of the pain it causes me. I don't want to see my parents or have them involved in anything in my life anymore because they have made this type of thing unavoidable and it seems now I have too. Only Christ can fix this issue... I am so heartbroken and just want them to love my siblings and me more than their politics. Ultimately I want them to talk about Christ with us and with their piers instead of feeding into the political hatred. I fear we will never mend this torn bond 😭
ReplyDeleteDear Unknown,
DeleteFirst let me say that I am so sorry that you are dealing with such strong feelings in your relationship with your parents and that so many hurtful things have been said.
I don't know the solution to your specific problems, but God does, and I pray that you will seek Him fervently to restore and reconcile this problem.
But let me give you some biblical advice that applies:
1. Set aside some time with the Lord for the specific purpose of confessing your sins against your parents without thinking of anything they have done and without any excuses. It might be helpful to write down the things that God brings to your mind and go through each one, confessing it to the Lord and asking His forgiveness and help.
2. After this, take some prayer time to ask God exactly what He wants you to do about this list. I believe the most healing thing might be for you to take this list to your parents and confess each thing on it and ask their forgiveness without once bringing up anything they've done and without including things they've done wrong in your explanation.
3. Then, based on their response, I think God will give you the next step.
Some key things to remember:
God has commanded us to honor our parents and honor goes beyond respect. It doesn't mean they are necessarily honorable people. It means we honor them out of respect for God.
Our faith is not tested when things are going easily. It is tested when they are difficult. God wants you to seek Him during this time and let your faith go deep. Since I don't know you, I can recommend that you make sure your relationship with God is sound. Have you genuinely asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? If not, please do that. You cannot call on His strength without that!
I recommend you find a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church fellowship so your faith can be strengthened during this difficult time.
I recommend you find a godly prayer partner who will pray with you and keep you accountable.
And I have prayed for you as well.
I hope this helps.