Politics and Religion: The Integrity of Love

I am continually and increasingly awe-struck with Jesus’ character qualities in general, and especially in His restraint when dealing with enemies — something we usually do not see in politics, even from Christians with Christian positions. We too often want to fight politically, even legally, for our positions, and in some cases there is nothing wrong with that and much right about it (when appropriate) in defense of our Christian nation and heritage, the undermining of which is our downfall and the very reason our nation is suffering on so many levels! It is natural to want to protect our nation, heritage, children, families, etc. when we’re under assault!

Loving Your Enemies 

But the Word says to overcome evil with good. Love your enemies. Bless those that curse you. Is the political/governmental realm exempt? Obviously not!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a lays out the definition of what love is, and simultaneously lays down an inviting, loving invitation to a life-long challenge to pursue it. Not in the taking of it from others (though we must receive it from God first!), but in becoming it, and pouring it out as God did in first giving Christ to and for us when we were yet sinners, and as Jesus did in making the journey!

The integrity of love (for love is not love without the integrity of its own, selfless affection demonstrated to others) seems to have become both an impossible standard, and unfortunately an increasingly despised one, especially in the political realm. And that realm is, unfortunately, a mere reflection of the degraded level of our culture that has increasingly forgotten God, and the Church that has grown cold in its love due to the lawlessness that surrounds us. A manifest fulfillment of the scripture in Matthew 24:12!

Time to re-orient 

First God is love – by definition of His character and identity. People easily lose sight of this truth in everyday life; much less in the political arena. At the end of the day, we should not! Ever! For any reason! God so loved the world that when we were yet sinners, He gave Jesus to die for us! Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God!

Next should come an in-depth study of 1 Corinthians 13, especially verses 4 through 8a, including books on love. I recommend Max Lucado’s book “A Love Worth Giving,” Bob Mumford’s book “Agape Road,” “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Phillip Yancey, and “Seeing Through Heaven’s Eyes” by Leif Hetland, just for starters.

Then there is 1 Peter 2:22 and 23. The piercing thing about verse 22 is not that Jesus had “no sin,” nor that there was “no deceit found in his mouth.” These are rather obvious on the surface. The surprise is the original Greek meaning of the word translated “deceit.” It means “decoy, trick bait, wile.” What that says to me is that yes, of course there were no obvious lies, but there were no “shaded” innuendos, no manipulations, no exaggerations, no understatements, no obtuse subtleties. Nothing ever inaccurate, unfeeling, tactless, insensitive, blind, imperceptive, unobservant, boorish, etc. 100% Truth! Always. How about you?

In verse 23, we read; “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” Ponder that. Let it soak in. He did not revile when being reviled; He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to God who judges righteously. Do you revile? Do you threaten? Or do you entrust yourself to God?

Walking the Walk 

I wonder where we would be as a nation if more Christians would walk in this behavior consistently. I wonder where our political culture would be if we Christians showed more love toward our enemies instead of suing them. I wonder if the directive to “overcome evil with good” wouldn’t work better if we actually tried and exhibited the “good.” I am not suggesting compromise at all. May it never be! Jesus loved all, never compromised, and yet the sinners – the prostitutes and tax collectors – flocked to Him! We’re considered a “hate group” and know this is a preposterous accusation, but we were told the world would know us by our love.

Have they missed it? Or have we?  

As one member of my church and supporter of my ministry recently said (and I paraphrase) “People have met the God who hates sin! It’s time they meet the God who loves them!”

Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation and culture, reaching even the highest offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more, join the prayer cause, or support the ministry at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net, or at 713-722-4301.       

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