After the Ballots: Faithful Responses in Divisive Political Times
The Permanent Things: Reflections on Tradition, Culture, and the Good Society
A Christian Response to Election Outcomes
On Tuesday, our nation will come to a significant turning point. The outcome of this election will determine our next president and usher in a new administration, and, no matter who wins, Americans will have varying reactions. For some, the result will bring satisfaction, maybe even joy. For others, the election will seem like a profound loss, stirring disappointment or concern for the country’s direction.
In these moments, the Christian community is called to something greater than any political allegiance. Scripture gives us a clear mandate to pray for our leaders - whoever they may be - and to uphold godliness in our actions, words, and responses, both within and outside of the church.
Grace in Our Discourse and Our Witness
In a world fractured by political divides, Christians have the responsibility to bear witness to the grace of God. As followers of Christ, we are reminded in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” This command to speak with grace applies all the more when we find ourselves engaging in conversations about politics.
Whether in church lobbies, family dinners, or social media, our words reflect the faith we profess. The temptation may be strong to respond to political wins or losses with heated words, but the opportunity here is even greater: we can choose to show the common grace of God, demonstrating how Christian faith tempers and uplifts even difficult discussions.
At its heart, common grace means showing kindness and dignity to others simply because they are made in God’s image. No election changes this. Instead, it gives us a fresh opportunity to extend kindness, listening well, and engaging charitably with those who see things differently. In this way, our discourse becomes a testament to the unchanging goodness of God, bearing witness to the hope we hold beyond any earthly governance.
Recognizing God’s Authority Amid Earthly Powers
Christians are instructed in Scripture to respect the authorities that govern us. In Romans 13:1, Paul tells us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This truth can be difficult to reconcile, especially if we feel that a particular leader or policy is out of line with our values. But Paul’s words encourage us to look beyond the human institutions to the ultimate authority that governs all things.
God’s sovereignty does not hinge on political victories or losses. This assurance gives us a foundation that’s far more secure than any political platform. As we approach the post-election period, we can be certain of this: whether our preferred candidate wins or loses, God is not caught off guard, nor is his plan for his people at risk. Let’s respond in this knowledge, submitting ourselves to the process of prayerful support for those in office, knowing that God’s authority is the bedrock of every earthly power.
Unity in the Body of Christ
Election cycles can stir painful divides within our own churches and communities. Christians hold many views, and these differences can often seem starkest during politically charged times. Yet Jesus’s prayer for his followers, just before he went to the cross, was for our unity: “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).
When we prioritize unity, we reflect the love and humility that Christ demonstrated, even to those who rejected him. Let’s allow this unity to be visible to the world around us. We have a calling higher than politics: to love our fellow believers and to be a light in our communities. As we move forward, let’s focus on what unites us in Christ rather than what divides us in politics.
Praying for Transformation Beyond Politics
Finally, we’re reminded in Scripture to “pray for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Our prayer, then, is not just for our leaders’ success but for their transformation. We pray for wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility in those who govern, whether or not they align with our own views. We ask God to move their hearts in ways that align with his purposes, to reveal himself in their lives, and to use their leadership for his glory and the good of the people.
Our prayers, as believers, should be a form of intercession that seeks the flourishing of all in society. They should reflect the hope we have in God’s power to change hearts and circumstances, making a true difference that no policy or administration alone can accomplish.
Our call as believers is constant: to reflect Christ, whether in times of unity or division, peace or tension. This election, I encourage you to consider not only how we pray but also how we treat each other in these pivotal moments, knowing that our words and actions reveal the heart of our faith to those around us.
And if this post has resonated with you, I’d be grateful if you shared it with someone who might need these reminders. You can also subscribe to keep these discussions going, as we seek to build a society rooted in the “permanent things” that truly sustain.
P.S. I’d like to leave you with this thought from Proverbs 21:1, a reminder to encourage us all: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”* No matter the outcome, we rest assured in God’s enduring guidance, knowing that he can work through any leader or circumstance for his purpose and for our good.
Much needed at this time. Thanks