In an increasingly polarized political landscape, it’s crucial for Christians to approach elections with a perspective grounded in faith. This Christian Voter Guide serves as a reminder of the core values that should inform our engagement in the political process, ensuring our actions reflect Christ’s teachings.
Drawing from pastoral insights, this guide aims to help believers navigate election seasons without compromising their spiritual integrity. It emphasizes the eternal significance of love, peace, and unity within the body of Christ, even amidst political differences.
BZ’s Christian Voter Guide: Ten Points to Consider
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Politics and God’s Kingdom: Recognize that while political participation is a civic duty, it is not the primary means through which God’s kingdom advances. The transformative power of the Gospel transcends political systems.
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Kingdom Fate and Political Outcomes: Understand that the ultimate destiny of God’s kingdom is not contingent upon election results. Our hope rests in Christ, not in political victories.
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Political Parties and Christian Values: Be discerning about political parties. They often prioritize Christian votes for political gain, which may not genuinely reflect Christian values.
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Power vs. Love: Acknowledge the fundamental difference between the pursuit of political power and the Christian mandate of love. For Christians, love should always take precedence.
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The Sermon on the Mount as a Constant Guide: Remember that the ethical principles of the Sermon on the Mount are non-negotiable, even in the heat of political engagement. Our pursuit of any political objective must align with these teachings.
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Love for Neighbor Above Political Passion: If your political fervor hinders your ability to love your neighbor as yourself, it’s a sign to recalibrate your priorities. Love is paramount.
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Salt and Light in a Divisive Process: Strive to bring Christian civility and grace to the often contentious and divisive political arena. Be agents of reconciliation and understanding.
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Unity in Christ Beyond Political Lines: Dismembering the body of Christ over political disagreements is a grave offense. Maintain unity with fellow believers despite differing political views.
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Freedom of Conscience and Mutual Respect: Exercise your right to vote according to your conscience and convictions, while extending the same respect and freedom to Christians who may vote differently.
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Soul’s Condition Over Political Victory: Prioritize the condition of your soul and your commitment to love above the outcome of any election. A loving heart is more valuable than any political win.
Fra Angelico's Sermon on the Mount painting illustrating Christian principles for voters in an election guide.
The Enduring Power of Love
As St. Paul eloquently wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, love is the cornerstone of Christian living. It is patient, kind, and selfless. It embodies humility, gentleness, and forgiveness. Love seeks truth and rejoices in righteousness. It is resilient, persevering, and eternal. This love should be the guiding principle for Christian voters.
A Prayer for Peace in a Political World
Drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan’s poignant lyrics and the timeless Prayer of St. Francis, let us seek divine guidance for peace and reconciliation in our political engagement:
We live in a political world
Where peace is not welcome at all
It’s turned away from the door to wander some more
Or put up against the wall
~Bob Dylan, “Political World”
Lord, make us instruments of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
~Prayer of St. Francis
May this Christian voter guide encourage believers to engage in the political process with wisdom, discernment, and above all, love, reflecting the heart of Christ in all we do.
