Removing Malice from Our Politics

“What if a church congregation that is made up of people with diametrically different political views could remain united no matter the outcome of the upcoming election?

“In this age of divisiveness, is that even possible?”

These two questions were asked by religion writer, Nancy Kennedy, for our local Citrus County Chronicle.

The article was about a local Methodist minister, Shawn Klien, who has made headlines by promoting a four week sermon series” “Do Unto Others: Malice Toward None, Charity For All.”

Klien’s first lesson was last Sunday on “The Power of Kindness.” The following sermons include “Finding Common Ground;” “Malice Toward None, Charity For All;” and“Jesus, Politics and Religion.”

“So, for four weeks we’re going to be talking about the election,” Klien said, “but NOT me telling the congregation how to vote or who to vote for, but how we can have fruitful, honest conversations with each other, even if we disagree.”

“I think it’s helpful to remember, in the words of Jesus, that we’re supposed to love one another and take care of one another, and just because we don’t agree on everything doesn’t mean we’re not one in Christ,” Klien observed.

While I’m sure Shawn Klien and I would have some theological differences, the concept of this series sounds Biblically centered and one on which we would find common ground.

While we don’t promote partisan politics, parties, or candidates on ThePreachersWord, we do promote, preach, and proclaim love, understanding, kindness, and unity within the Body of Christ.

Sadly, we see and hear too much, even among professed Christians, that is unkind, accusatory, and demeaning in regard to each others’ political opinions. Some have questioned how their fellow brother or sister in Christ could vote for their preferred candidate and be a faithful Christian. Klien’s topic, caught my eye “With Malice Toward None,” because in some cases the tone and tenor of the language, both written and spoken is laden with malice.

The word translated “malice” is used 11 times in the New Testament and is also rendered “evil speaking,” “wickedness,” “naughtiness” and “evil.” Consider these admonitions and warnings and note the context of the other attitudes and actions connected with malice.

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (Col. 3:8).

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31).

“Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Cor. 5:8).

It may be that some partisans have taken a cue from their candidate as they spue demeaning and derogatory epithets toward one another. Let me be clear, as the politicians like to say, I’m not talking about any one person. Almost all politicians and their surrogates are at times guilty.

With the election less than 3 weeks away, consider these 4 thoughts.

First, It’s good to be reminded in Jesus’ day there was a political divide between Jews and Gentiles as well as those who supported the Roman government and those who were in opposition. Even among the chosen 12 there was a tax collector, Matthew, who worked for Rome and Simon a Zealot who fiercely opposed the Roman rule. Yet, they apparently put aside their differences, followed Christ, preached the same gospel, and ministered together in unity.

Second, remember that when the election is over and the votes are tallied, that there will be winners and losers. Half of our Republic will be glad, the other will be sad. Yet, when the dust has settled, we as Christians, are still called to be “the light of the world,” and the “salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13-16).

Third, regardless of who wins the White House, or who controls the House or the Senate, God will still be in control. Jesus will still be Lord of lords, and King of kings. So as his followers, we must trust in His providential care and know that He was use Rulers, either good or evil, to accomplish His ultimate purpose.

Fourth, even though we are proud of our country, celebrate our freedom, and enjoy our way of life, first and foremost, never forget we are citizens of a Heavenly Kingdom. When the USA, like all other nations have fallen, the Kingdom of God will stand forever.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural address as he sought to heal the wounds of a divided nation, let us approach the election and accept its outcome “with malice toward none, charity for all,” and “the firmness in the right as God gives us {the ability} to see the right.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman