Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Listen to the Word

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Jesus didn’t say the world would know us by our votes, or by the laws we pass, or by our political clout. He said they will know us by our love. We change the world not by voting for the right candidate, but by loving like Jesus loved.

Jesus even wants you to love THEM. The world is working hard to stir your contempt toward THEM – those people outside your political tribe. The slant of our news sources and our social media algorithms push us further and further into our echo chambers, where we are reminded that THEY are to be loathed and feared. But Jesus teaches that someone who disagrees with your politics is not an enemy to be vanquished – they are a neighbor to be loved.

If you are spewing venom toward your perceived political enemies, and your political engagement is making you less kind, then your political engagement is standing between you and Jesus. He wants you to be known by your love. 

Live the Word

Think of someone you know whose political views are different from yours. Pray for God to bless them.