I often unwind by scrolling through social media, looking at new recipes, holiday ideas, and cute babies. But inevitably, political posts pop up, snapping me out of relaxation mode and into anger mode. Can you relate?
Deep emotions arise when I see agendas that contradict God's Word and opinions that promote wrongdoing. My mind tells me I have permission to react in righteous anger, but the Holy Spirit cautions me to proceed wisely. I'm reminded of Proverbs 15:1, which says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Of course, addressing political issues has its rightful place, and occasionally, online platforms provide the opportunity to speak truth. However, reacting in anger rarely leads to healthy discussions or favorable outcomes. Proverbs 14:29 (ESV) says, "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly."
Displaying Christlikeness in our political views requires us to pause, pray, and present the truth with calm assurance that God is still at work. He knows better than we do the agendas of man and how it will all play out.
Remember, we know who wins. We know how the story ends. This political climate pales in comparison to the glorious future we have in Christ. So, when political posts make you angry, here are a few things you can do.
Take a Grown-Up Time Out
"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Proverbs 6:16-19
When hot topics come across our radar, it's tempting to rush into the conversation and post our opinions. Even if what we're saying is true, it's "how" we say it that matters. Angry responses are never received well. However, when we take a moment to think, reason, pray, and respond, we have a much better chance of being heard.
One way to practice this is to picture someone sitting across from you. How would you speak to a live human being versus a phone or computer screen? Unfortunately, the internet has desensitized us, so much so that we communicate in ungodly ways. And people's brashness is only exacerbated the more we react in haste.
The next time a political post makes you angry, take a grown-up time out and ask, "Lord, how should I respond?" Often, He will prompt you to remain silent and pray for those who are deceived. And when He does give you words to speak, they will always align with His Word.
When in doubt, remember Proverbs 6:18-19, which says, "[The Lord hates] feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." My friends, let's slow down, take a deep breath, and resist stirring up even more conflict than there already is.
Pray this before you react in haste: "Lord, please give me Your truth in love, leading me to respond in a way that bears Your light before men. In Jesus' name, amen."
Remember Who the Real Enemy Is
It's human nature to villainize the person behind the post and forget who our real enemy is. This isn't to say people aren't accountable for their words - they most certainly are - but the Bible is clear: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)
Remember, those who aren't following Christ are under the sway of the enemy. They aren't thinking about God's standards, therefore, they don't see a problem promoting worldly agendas and ideologies. As Christians, it is our job to pray hard for them, asking God for opportunities to witness in the most loving, compassionate way possible.
On the other hand, when believers are promoting sinful things, we are to handle it Biblically by following Galatians 6:1-3, which says, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens; this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves."
Pray this against the enemy's agenda: "Lord, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, I rebuke Satan and his evil agenda. Please give me compassion for the lost and the right words to say to lead them back to You, amen."
Meditate on Psalm 37
When frustration builds, and you want to lash out, open your Bible to Psalm 37. The words of David, written so long ago, are surprisingly relevant to our political issues today.
In verses 1-3, he says, "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."
To fret means to worry or be annoyed, letting the issue gnaw away at your peace. Trust, on the other hand, means to firmly believe in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something.
Do we trust the Lord's ability to save us from this political firestorm? Can we rely on His strength to overcome? Psalm 37:5-6 says, "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun."
My friend, the Lord is in the business of vindication. He is your defender and your peace! When anger tries to rule your emotions, refuse to partner with it, and instead, turn all of that energy into doing good. Remember verses 7- 8, which say, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil."
Let's not be quick to join in endless arguments, but rather, join the Lord in patient understanding that His righteousness will "shine like the dawn" and His vindication "like the noonday sun."
Pray this from Psalm 37: "Lord, help me trust Your timing, that You will indeed vindicate Your people and cause Your righteousness to shine in this dark world. In Jesus' holy name, amen."
Fight Back
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
As the political battle wages on, and you feel defenseless against the weapons of darkness, take hold of the divine power you've been given - the power to demolish the greatest of strongholds. Fight back by:
-Declaring Scripture over your family, community, and country
-Giving praise and honor to the King of Kings
-Rebuking Satan in the mighty name of Jesus
-Loving the lost and hating the sin
-Refusing to let anger get the best of you
Take to heart Paul's words to Timothy when he said, "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
Fight the good fight of faith - faith in the One who knows the beginning from the end. God is not at all surprised by what is happening. He is still on His throne, and He is still in control. And when you come across political posts that make you angry, fix your mind on Psalm 19:14, which says, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." (KJV)
Heavenly Father, thank You for calming my heart today, and giving me the wisdom to proceed in love. Please diffuse the anger that threatens to overwhelm me, leading me to react in haste. Give me the calm assurance that You are working all things out for Your glory and my good. In Jesus' holy name, amen.
What about you? Do you find yourself getting angry when you encounter political posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.? Weigh in here on Crosswalk Forums.
Related Resource: Co-Opting Christ: Misusing the Bible and Theological Language in Political Discourse
In this episode of Thinking Christian, James and Nate discuss some of the ways the Bible and other theological concepts and theologians are pressed into the service of political agendas. They urge listeners not to encourage falsehood, but to hold accountable those who seek to apply biblical language to modern-day politics. If this episode of Thinking Christian helped your political perspective, be sure to subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
More helpful resources for your journey:
5 Things Christians Can Pray for This Presidential Election Season
Pray Vote Stand Panel Weighs in on Christian Voting Principles
7 Ways to Love Your Family When You Disagree Politically
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Brothers91
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.