In these divisive times, it’s easy to feel the pull of anger, resentment, and even animosity towards those on the “other side” of the political spectrum. The news cycle, social media, and even everyday conversations can fuel a sense of “us vs. them.” But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard, a more profound way of living that transcends earthly divisions.
Let’s turn to the challenging yet transformative words of Jesus in Luke 6:28-30 (English Standard Version):
“bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.”
What is God trying to tell us here? This passage is a radical call to agape love – an unconditional, self-sacrificing love that extends far beyond natural human affection or reciprocity. It’s about responding to hostility with grace, to injustice with generosity, and to anger with prayer.
Consider the profound implications for our political landscape:
- For Black Christians who feel the sting of injustice: Perhaps you feel that certain policies or rhetoric from Donald Trump and many Republicans have been unjust, harmful, or dismissive of your experiences. The natural human response might be anger, bitterness, or a desire for retribution. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different path: to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” This doesn’t mean condoning injustice or ignoring wrongdoing. It means choosing to pray for wisdom, compassion, and a change of heart for those you perceive as your political adversaries. It means asking God to work in their lives, to guide them towards righteousness and empathy.
- For Christian Trump supporters who feel maligned: Conversely, if you are a Christian who staunchly supports Donald Trump and finds yourself frustrated or offended by the words and actions of Democrats, the same scripture applies to you. You are called to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Instead of allowing resentment to fester, pray for Democratic leaders and their constituents. Pray for unity, for understanding, and for God’s will to be done in their lives and in their policies.
The core principle here is revolutionary: Love extends to all, even enemies: True love, as exemplified by God, is not limited to those who are easy to love or who reciprocate our affection. It encompasses those who oppose us, curse us, and harm us.
This isn’t about ignoring the very real issues and disagreements that exist. It’s about approaching them from a spiritual posture rooted in Christ’s teaching. When we pray for those we disagree with, we are not only obeying a direct command from Jesus, but we are also:
- Breaking the cycle of animosity: Prayer has the power to transform hearts – theirs and ours. It prevents us from being consumed by bitterness.
- Demonstrating God’s character: Our willingness to love and pray for our enemies is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. It shows a world consumed by division that there is another way.
- Trusting in God’s sovereignty: We acknowledge that ultimate justice and change belong to God. We release our need for immediate vindication and trust in His perfect timing and plan.
So, no matter where you stand on the political spectrum, and no matter how deeply you feel wronged or misunderstood by the “other side,” let us commit to the radical act of prayer. Let us choose to bless rather than curse, to pray rather than retaliate. In doing so, we not only honor Christ but also become instruments of healing and reconciliation in a world desperately in need of both.
Let’s begin today. Who will you pray for, even if it feels difficult, even if it feels counterintuitive?
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