“How can a person of faith address politics as a whole? »
It’s a question many people have grappled with for years, especially lately, a Seattle-area pastor acknowledged to Fox News Digital in a recent phone interview.
“Politics is going to be a hot – and intense – topic over the next 14 months,” said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington.
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The first Republican debate has already taken place – with a second scheduled for September 27, broadcast on FOX Business. It will be co-moderated by Stuart Varney and Dana Perino of Fox News Media, alongside Ilia Calderón of Univision.
Bradley said: “Politics matters because we select our leaders and, therefore, the laws of the land. »
Voters are shown filling out ballots at the Northwest Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Tuesday, February 14, 2023. (© CHRIS LANDSBERGER / USA TODAY NETWORK)
All Americans of faith“, he noted, “have the privilege and responsibility to be informed, thoughtful, prayerful and confident in voting.”
Bradley said that “ideally we have politicians of integrity who are courageous, just, wise, clear, compassionate, competent – and who honor God.”
While every nation on Earth needs “a strong spiritual, moral and political foundation,” Pastor Bradley suggested believers keep three pieces of advice in mind during the upcoming political season as candidates from both parties – and many others – continue to share their views and positions on issues vital to the country.
1. Avoid classic pitfalls
“Family explosions are not necessary,” Bradley said.
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Instead, “de-escalation is a good option.”
He added: “When everyone claims that Jesus approves of all their political views, know what the Scriptures really say. »
“Know when conversations are deteriorating and set healthy boundaries,” said a Seattle-area Christian pastor. Relationships, he says, are too important to do otherwise, whether in political times or not. (iStock)
He also said: “Do not place your ultimate hope in politics or any politician, for idolatry is foolish. »
Rather, for those of Christian faith“There is one perfect Savior and his name is Jesus.”
2. Value relationships
“Speak the truth with love,” he also said. “Be honest and humble. Be a great listener and listen to what the other person is saying.”
He added: “Know when conversations are deteriorating and set healthy boundaries. »
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This means knowing “when to redirect the topic of the conversation.”
Also, “if you post on social media, make sure your content is factual.”
“If you post on social media, make sure your content is factual,” said one Washington state pastor. (Fox News)
Avoid the negative, Bradley also advised.
“You don’t inspire and win when you are mean and cruel” to others.
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“You always represent yourself, your family and the Lord; so consider being an ambassador where you live, work, learn and play,” Bradley said.
3. Make commitments
Bradley urged believers to be careful not to “water down the truth or God’s standards.”
Instead, “commit to not being dramatic, not being uncontrollable or angry,” he advised.
Pastor Jesse Bradley leads Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington. He told Fox News Digital that as a political season approaches, it’s wise to “commit to having conflict or ‘intense communion’ that remains respectful” to others, as difficult as that may be. be. “It is the love of God that changes hearts,” he said. (Fox News/iStock)
People should “commit to not thinking that you are better than anyone else,” the pastor said.
It is far wiser, he suggested, to “engage in conflict or in ‘intense communion’ that remains respectful” toward others.
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“Commit yourself to sharing the Good News of Jesus,” Bradley said.
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“It is the love of God that changes hearts.”
