We cannot turn on the news without seeing evidence that these are politically divided times. Friendships and families are being torn apart over political differences. Discussions on matters of justice, morality, and culture often lead to anger rather than understanding. Christianity is increasingly encountering and conflicting with other world religions and worldviews that deny the exclusive claims of Christ.
As believers in Jesus, we will never hide our faith or shy away from sharing the gospel. Christ is the only hope for this world, and we are obligated to boldly declare Him as Lord. But Scripture cautions us that how we declare the Lord Jesus matters. Peter commands us to be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15), but to do so “with gentleness and respect.”
We will never be forced to choose between speaking truth and showing love. The gospel empowers us to speak with conviction while also commanding us to extend that same grace to everyone we meet. John Wesley said there could be no holiness apart from social holiness. That means our faith is not lived out in private but is demonstrated by how we love our neighbors, care for our communities, and build bridges with people who think and believe differently than we do.
The Church needs to be countercultural. Our world celebrates outrage and derision, but we are ambassadors of reconciliation. We refuse to tear others down because of disagreement, and we will continue to love those on the other side of the political spectrum because that is what Jesus commands us to do. We will never compromise the truth we have been given, but our goal is to reach people, not win arguments.
The world is watching to see whether Christians will reflect the hostility of our culture or display the love of Jesus. In these uncertain times, I am trying to season my words with grace and keep my convictions grounded in Scripture. As we do, we will be filled with humility, compassion, and holy love, pointing others not merely to our words but to the Savior who transformed us.
In Christ,
James