There is a political furor in the United States right now—lots of accusing, finger pointing, and outrage.  As Christians, we recognize that outrage can be useful for good, energizing us to, with wisdom, effectively address difficult situations; or anger can be an opening for satan to run rampant over our lives and relationships.  “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger; and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26)

As much as I would like peace and unity in the “United” States, I also acknowledge Jesus’ words: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.  And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.  Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39)

This is not an easy passage; however, it is comforting in an unusual way—Jesus’ words affirm that serving Him will not be easy, but faithfully following Him will be rewarded. 

I’m not saying here that there is only one way to view a conflict of opinions (they are, after all, opinions) because I’m pretty sure there is no one person on social media who has all the verifiable information available and can accurately express it. 

Here are some interesting scriptures to consider:

“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord.” (Zechariah 8:16-17)

“Repay no one evil for evil, [I have to remind myself frequently that this also means by our words] but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:17-18)

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19)

It is not easy to hold on to or employ Biblical truth in the hostile social and political climate currently pervading the U.S., and elsewhere; however, finger-pointing, accusing, and spreading hatred does not qualify as what makes for peace!  Neither does a judgmental or manipulative use of scripture.

What we can do is to pray and ask God for wisdom.  In fact, prayer is the first step in pursuing “what makes for peace”: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

It is also important that we abide by scriptural directives (and there are times when this is difficult): “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.  Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.  Honor everyone.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)

Like kids in a classroom, I sense the hands going up, quick to ask a question; “What if the “emperor” or the governors are the ones who are doing evil?”  Then pray for them, pray for their salvation!  We also need to ask ourselves whether we believe God and trust His Word; if so, then we can “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you!” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Here are a few scriptures that provide a basis for praying for our leaders:

“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves!  Should not shepherds feed the sheep?  You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep.  The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.” (Ezekiel 34:1-4) I pray that the shepherds, the leaders in government would turn away from selfishness, their own agendas, and the special interests that drain the citizens of this country.  Engulf with guilt those who vote to raise their own incomes while broken people in the land suffer, who put on a show of doing good while making sure their own interests are satisfied.  Lead them to repentance and salvation!  Let righteousness, justice, and compassion fill the hearts and minds of those in authority, and may they govern with wisdom.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2) I pray that our leaders would reject the counsel of the wicked and surround themselves with Godly counselors who promote righteousness and justice, who will respect God’s Word as the basis for governing.

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:1-3) I pray the Lord’s hand would direct the hearts of our leaders in a way that will honor God and promote righteousness and justice; I ask that the Holy Spirit search the hearts of those in authority and convince them to seek what is right in God’s eyes instead of their own.

 “Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.  They hold fast to their evil purpose; they talk of laying snares secretly, thinking, ‘Who can see them?’  They search out injustice, saying, ‘We have accomplished a diligent search.” (Psalm 64:2-6) I pray that the evil intentions and secret plots and snares of the wicked will be exposed and their bitter words will fall uselessly to the ground.  I also pray that our leaders will allow the Holy Spirit to fill their lives, invade their thoughts, and manage their words so that they will bring healing and life.

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) I pray against pride and deceitfulness, and attitudes that exalt politics over citizens.  A false witness is an abomination to the Lord—I pray that there will be a turn around in the media so that honest reporting will become a standard.  I also pray that those in positions of authority would seek unity instead of discord.

I think a lot of media reporting is done with the intention to incite emotional responses, supporting their own agendas instead of conveying information—thus, media bias.  That is just my opinion, and it is important to recognize these things.  Here are a couple of verses I find helpful in guiding my prayers for the media:

“You shall not spread a false report.  You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.” (Exodus 23:1)

“Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.  There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.  Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.” (Proverbs 12:17-20)

Wherever we live, whatever the social climate, my hope is that we will seek God for wisdom and pray for discernment, praying also for those in authority, and that we will be careful in our attitudes and our words.  …that as citizens of this world and God’s kingdom, we will bring honor to His Name!

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“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Philippians 1:9-11