With Election Day just days away, many of us are feeling both anxious and exhausted from the long election season. It’s natural to feel the weight of these decisions deeply—our faith means a lot to us, and when we mix it with politics, things can feel especially charged. But as we approach this moment, I have some final thoughts I hope will provide an additional bit of grounding.
During each election cycle, the debate about faith and politics heats up, often creating anxiety, even within our church community. Yet, we don’t face this alone. Our faith has much to say about how we approach the issues before us, and the truths of the gospel can help us respond with grace and understanding. One key reminder is this: politics flows downstream from culture. That means the hearts and minds of people need to change before political changes can take root. Lasting transformation doesn’t begin with political power alone. Instead, it’s our daily lives, our words, and our service to others that reflect Jesus’ love in practical ways and that shape the world more profoundly than any election outcome.
I also want to mention that “Christian values” don’t have one universal definition. When we use that term, we’re often talking about different things. No single candidate or party fully embodies all the values we hold dear. So, our votes often come down to choosing leaders who we believe will help our communities move toward the hopes we hold. Remembering how Jesus approached power can help here: he didn’t use force to compel others or pursue social dominance. He chose service, humility, and love. His path shows us that true power isn’t about control, but about revealing God’s heart through service. That’s something we can model by seeing our neighbors, even those who vote differently, as beloved by God. And just as Jesus welcomed people from every walk of life, we’re called to show grace and love, even when we disagree.
Friends, I encourage you to vote thoughtfully and to endorse those candidates who you believe best reflect your Christian values and hopes for our country. But as you do, remember that God loves those who see things differently just as much as God loves you. The world is watching how we Christians navigate this time; we’re called to be a different kind of witness, one that goes beyond division and shows the fruit of the Spirit—love, patience, gentleness, and kindness. We’re called to respect and listen to one another, avoiding the mockery or divisiveness so often seen in public discourse.
Neither party fully represents the breadth of God’s heart, and our faith can’t fit neatly into one political platform. We may prioritize different issues, but our first allegiance is to Christ, and our identity is in him. Engaging in politics is a part of faithful citizenship, yet no candidate can represent all of God’s concerns for justice, mercy, and righteousness. Christians bring a diverse set of concerns into each election, and that doesn’t have to divide us. Instead, it’s an invitation to offer each other grace and understanding, recognizing that while our political approaches may vary, we’re united in our commitment to serve and reflect Christ.
Finally, let’s keep our focus on the one true King, Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to welcome all. In doing so, we’re bearing witness to the gospel in ways that speak louder than words or votes. May we be peacemakers, reaching out to our neighbors, and showing through word and deed a commitment to the love of Christ. This witness will truly shape the world around us for good—well beyond this election cycle.
See you in church!
Pastor Adam
