Our country is deeply divided politically. Tensions are high. Anger is rising. Disagreement often erupts into vicious putdowns, violence, and hatred.

We can’t let that anger and that hatred invade the church.

Jesus taught us a principle that we need to apply to politics and church life. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NIV)

I ask ABC leaders and members to be wise and loving peacemakers. Specifically, I ask each of us to do these things:

• Please remember that loving your brother or sister is more important than agreeing with them. Within our congregation there are a variety of political opinions—as there should be because we are trying to reach all people. It is our faith in Jesus that unites us and not our politics.

• Please remember that we are not a political organization. We don’t endorse candidates or political parties from the pulpit, in our classrooms, or in any of our meetings.

• Please do not distribute political materials at church, in our classrooms, or in any of our meetings. We don’t distribute voter guides, for even some that claim to be “non-partisan” are designed to favor one party over the other.

• Please don’t wear political slogans on clothing while attending worship or Bible classes. It is a distraction from our primary purpose to honor God and focus on Him.

• Teachers and leaders, please squelch any discussions that have become overtly political and teach your classes to refrain from putdowns and promotion of candidates or parties, and return to teaching the Bible.

• Please do what the Bible teaches us to do for our country’s leaders, including our President and administration, our Senators and Congressmen, our judges, and similar state and local leaders. We do not have to agree with them, but the Bible is clear that (1) we are to respect them because of the office they hold, and (2) pray for them.

I’m not in any way opposed to individual believers being involved in the political process. I encourage it. However, I do teach you to be Biblical in your approach. Have a strong and Biblically informed opinion. Vote. Debate—if you can do so with kindness rather than anger. Talk to others respectfully. Listen to others respectfully. Run for office if God leads you to do so.

But let’s keep the world’s anger, hatred, ungodly rhetoric, and partisanship out of the church. Let’s instead focus on loving God, loving people, and following Jesus.

I was thinking about the political conversations I have had over the years. And though I consider myself an effective debater and I can articulate my thoughts well, I’m not sure that I’ve won many—if any—arguments. Maybe I’ve caused some to think more deeply about a political issue, but I’ve also probably offended a few.

When it comes to politics—and especially in the church—be a peacemaker. Unity in the church is far more important than stating a strong opinion on issues that are secondary to the gospel of Jesus. Reaching people with the gospel and teaching them to follow Jesus is far more important than voicing a political opinion.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”