For a solid nine months now, the world has been watching the US election campaign unfold. Mainstream and social media commentary has filled our eyes and ears with professional and personal opinions; smear campaigns, accusations and advocacy for political parties and candidates.
And we’re finally here! Election time! You must know, we’ve been watching from Australia. Actually, I think it’s safe to say that much of the world has been watching and wanting to know what the results will be… and what your response will be.
Do you know what really interests me now? How people, especially Christ-followers, will treat one another based on the election outcome. Beause, if you’re like me, you’ve already seen plenty of verbally violent commentary and debate around the election and it’s candidates. I’m all for civil debate but so much has been so nasty.
And so, to my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in the US, I’m curious to know how you will respond to the election outcome. My questions are:
1. How will you respond to those whose preferred party and candidate lose? With grace and love? or With an ‘I told you so!’
2. How will you react if your preferred party and candidate lose? With instant accusation of fraud and corruption? or With grace and love?
3. Will you pray for the elected candidate, even if you didn’t vote them in? Like in 1 Tim 2:1-3?
4. How will you respond to any prophetic and pastoral voices that shared visions and thoughts around the winning candidate if they are incorrect or don’t come to pass? Will you go on a witch hunt? or Will there be grace and love in correction and connection?
5. Ultimately, who is Lord & King? In whom does your trust rest? A political party or Jesus Christ?
America, the world is watching you – now and in the coming months. How will you respond? Love? Unity? Bitterness? Anger? Violence?
Brothers and sisters in Christ, now is your time to shine brightly. Do the global Body of Christ proud! Show us the power of a love and unity that transcends political preference and trust.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
My prayer for you is one that echoes the opening 6 verses of Ephesians 4. In it, we read of Paul’s deep desire for unity in the Body of Christ. Political and national debate has been around for millennia. From jail, Paul begs the Church in Ephesus to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (ESV)”
Peace and Love
David Tensen