October 28th Devotion

How to Stay Peaceful through Election Day and Beyond
By Lynette Kittle

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” - Romans 12:18

Political divisiveness in our nation is at blood boiling temperatures, where rather than just having differing viewpoints between people, there is a growing disdain towards those who disagree and don’t align with personal party choices. Sadly, living at peace with everyone seems almost impossible to achieve in the current volatile political climate, especially during election season.

It’s challenging seeing opposing political posts on social media and reading of others’ support for candidates whose policies go against our Christian values, beliefs, and convictions. But rather than duking it out with them, the Apostle Paul in Romans 14:19 urges, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
So how do we make it to and through Election Day in one piece, retaining our peace and being kind and tenderhearted to those around us while at the same time disagreeing with their political stances?

Avoiding Heated Political Conflicts with Our Neighbors and Family Members

United States 3rd President Thomas Jefferson said to William Hamilton on April 22, 1800, “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”

Of course it’s more difficult to feel warm towards someone we strongly disagree with concerning politics. It’s much easier to feel love towards those who agree and support our beliefs. Still, God’s way is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), even when our neighbor holds opposing political viewpoints.

So, instead of jumping headfirst into heated political discussions, God calls us to resist the temptation. “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless” (Titus 3:9). Especially true when it comes to our family and neighbors, God calls us to “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

Stand Firm in the Light

Yet, as Christians, as children of the light, we are called to push back the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 reminds us, “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. It’s hard to see what’s happening in our culture and nation, where like Isaiah 5:20 describes, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

Sinful practices that used to be hidden are now being voted on and made into laws and policies. As Ephesians 5:12 explains, “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.” Whereas John 3:20 discusses how evil hides in the darkness so its deeds aren’t exposed, we’re seeing more and more in America, how it’s pushing its way into the daylight, demanding to have a forefront place in our society.

Still, staying in peace doesn’t mean we don’t stand up for what is right in God’s eyes. It’s important we speak up for His truth, and it’s also critically important that when we do, we forgo name-calling and disrespecting those who disagree with us.

Where Peace Is Found

Staying peaceful throughout Election Day and beyond requires looking to and relying on the peace that only God can give us. Our pathway to peace is found in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Peace can only come from one source. As Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”