This Sunday, we gather in the wake of a significant week in our nation. Some of us are feeling joy, while others feel disappointment. Some may be filled with hope, while others feel a bit weary. Yet here we are—together in this sacred space, grounded in faith and bound by a love that transcends any division.
It is important to acknowledge that in times like these, our differences can feel more obvious—but so can our shared identity as bearers of the image of God. Those who feel these contrasting emotions—of joy or fear—aren’t distant strangers; they are our neighbors, coworkers, family, and friends. They are the people we pass in our neighborhoods, sit beside in church, wait alongside in coffee shops, and cheer at our kids’ games.
As Christians, disciples of Jesus, we are held to a different standard than everybody else in the world. We are called to rise above the divisions that might otherwise separate us, to embody Christ’s love in all circumstances, and to hold fast to the peace that only God can give. Our faith reminds us that our primary allegiance is not to any earthly power or institution but to the kingdom of God.
With this in mind, I believe there is a Scripture that can help us navigate the turmoil of our time. Let us open our hearts and turn our focus to the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:2-5,
Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s words are a powerful call to unity and humility. In his time, the church faced internal and external pressures. Just as we see today, divisions existed, political tensions ran high, and people were grappling with their loyalties and beliefs. Paul reminded the Philippians—and reminds us—that our primary calling is not to be aligned with earthly power structures or factions, but with Jesus himself.
Paul takes this message further in Philippians 3:20, where he says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse captures the heart of Paul’s teaching on where our ultimate allegiance lies. While we may have identities and responsibilities in this world—nationality, political beliefs, social roles—our highest allegiance is to the Kingdom of God. As citizens of heaven, we look beyond the limitations and divisions of this world and await the coming of our true Savior.
When we look to Jesus, we see a life that navigated political tension without being overtaken by it. Jesus lived under Roman occupation at a time when political oppression, religious division, and social unrest were everywhere. He encountered people from all walks of life—Pharisees, Sadducees, zealots, tax collectors, and Roman soldiers. Yet, Jesus didn’t allow himself to be defined by or confined within these political labels. His identity was firmly rooted in the kingdom of God, not the empire of Rome.
One example that illustrates this is when Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Caesar. He held up a coin and asked, “Whose image is this?” When they answered, “Caesar’s,” Jesus replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). With this simple response, Jesus acknowledged the reality of human governments but affirmed a higher allegiance—one that belonged solely to God. Jesus was neither endorsing nor rebelling against Rome; he was redirecting our attention toward a greater and everlasting Kingdom.
Jesus also confronted divisions head-on. In his group of disciples, we see a remarkable mix of individuals. He had zealots who wanted to overthrow the Roman Empire and tax collectors who collaborated with it. These men held conflicting ideologies, yet they walked together with Jesus. Jesus’ example teaches us that, while our political beliefs and affiliations may differ, we are called to love each other, to be united in purpose, and to look out for the interests of others above our own.
But this is complicated, isn’t it? In our church and in our communities, we encounter a range of political ideologies, each with its own strengths and blind spots. For example, those on the left may see the right as uncaring about women’s rights because of their stance against pro-choice policies, while the right might claim that the left lacks compassion for the poor by opposing economic policies that prioritize job growth and financial stability. It is important to remember that the daily struggle to make ends meet is also a deeply moral concern.
Are we supposed to ignore each other’s struggles and concerns when we vote? Is it fair to say the other side hates us just because they don’t share our political views? Yet this is happening more and more. One of the most troubling things I have heard is people labeling each other as evil simply for supporting different policies. This kind of judgment shuts down dialogue and dismisses others’ real needs, as if to say, “My view is better than yours.” But as Christians, we are called to rise above this and live by a higher standard of love and humility.
Our challenge, therefore, is that we often confuse our faith with our political beliefs. It is easy to think our political stance reflects Christian values, but we must remember that our convictions are not the only way to express God’s will. Jesus didn’t fit into any political category of his time; instead, he showed us a kingdom-minded approach that rises above earthly politics.
For this, navigating a world where our faith and political views intersect can be challenging. Our faith informs our values, but we are reminded by Paul and by Jesus’ example to hold our politics lightly and our faith firmly. Our hope is in Christ, not in any earthly leader or party. Our ultimate calling is not to be champions of any political ideology but to be ambassadors of Christ’s love. As Paul reminds us, “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”—one of humility and selfless love.
Therefore, while some of us celebrate, others struggle and fear. So, let’s be more than our political ideologies; let’s be good to one another. Imagine a world where we, as followers of Jesus, are known for listening to one another, extending grace even in disagreement, and honoring God above all. Instead of pushing those with different political beliefs aside, let us choose to understand them. As Paul says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.” When we value others, even those who may think differently, we are living out the love of Christ and building bridges instead of walls.
If you know or sense that someone is struggling today, reach out. Let us choose compassion and connection instead of division, setting aside harsh words for genuine understanding. Remember, empathy brings us together, but ego drives us apart. Let’s choose empathy, knowing that our true citizenship lies in the heavenly kingdom, where peace, justice, and mercy rule.
This Sunday and every day, let us come together as people of faith who recognize that while we live in the world, we are not defined by it. We belong to a kingdom that is not of this world—a kingdom where justice, love, and peace reign. And consider how we can live out our faith in a way that brings people together rather than pushes them apart. Instead of viewing those with different political beliefs as adversaries, we can ask God for a clean heart and a renewed spirit that seeks understanding, compassion, and empathy.
Let us take on the mind of Christ, holding our political views with humility and showing respect to everyone. Trust that God’s plan is greater than any election outcome. Let us move forward, not as winners or losers, but as followers of Jesus, ready to love one another and be agents of God’s healing and hope. Amen.
