Have you ever won the battle, only to lose the war? Rachel and Leah, two sisters married to the same man, engaged in a perpetual competition that neither one could truly win. Their complicated relationship detailed in Genesis 29-35 is an appropriate picture of today’s political landscape: two major parties vying for power over control of one government, yet battling in such as way that no one really wins in the end.

Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.”

Genesis 30:8

Election season is heating up again. Before you put up the yard signs and post your political fireballs on Facebook, take a moment and consider your unbelieving neighbors and friends. Ask yourself if your communications are creating opportunities to share your hope in Jesus Christ and bring about healing – or merely drawing battle lines for ongoing disagreement and hurt.

Like living in the tent with Rachel and Leah, the conflict going on mainly damages those that would otherwise benefit immensely from working together. Start praying today for believers seeking office in the next term. Pray they will handle members of the opposite party thoughtfully and maintain an effective witness for Christ. There’s no reason to win the election but lose the race.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 9:1-13