You’re driving home at dusk and you notice a sign in your neighbor’s yard. You can barely make it out in the waning light, but you do see the familiar stars and stripes of a campaign placard. At first you believe it’s mostly red – for a Republican candidate. Then you think it looks more like the blue of the Democratic Party. You blink. No…maybe it’s green for an environmentally-focused politician.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Galatians 5:6

During His time on Earth, Jesus’ presence evoked anxiety among the most religious and politically savvy. What was He trying to prove by challenging their strict lines of social order? Did He not understand that walking among those on the fringes of culture would mark Him, also? At times, even His own disciples struggled to understand that His mission was not to establish a new political regime, but something far more significant.

As the signs of another election season appear, how are you handling the fine lines of disagreement? Are you tempted to judge your friends or loved ones on their political leanings? Earnestly pray today that God’s people in America will take Jesus’ example and be fearless in extending compassion to people of all political color.

Recommended Reading: Mark 2:3-17