We Have to Stop Letting Politics Divide the Family of God

In the wake of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the responses have been as divided as our nation itself. The last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of emotion for not only me, but I think everyone. However, what I am seeing is that not everyone is reacting the same way for sure. I see it in social media posts, the news coverage, and even comments and direct messages I have received. Mostly supportive, but often vulgar and mean spirited.

As I watched how people reacted, it was interesting to see some mourn, others criticize, and many rush to their political corners, letting party lines dictate their reactions. But as Christians, we are called to something higher. Our first allegiance is not to a political tribe, but to Jesus Christ. The danger comes when we allow earthly ideologies to overshadow our heavenly citizenship.

Paul reminded the Philippians that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). When we forget that truth, we begin to treat fellow believers as enemies simply because they vote differently or hold different political opinions. That is not the way of Christ. Jesus Himself prayed for His followers, “that they may be one” (John 17:21). Division among believers grieves the heart of God.

We also need to pause and remember who Charlie Kirk really was. Yes, he was known as a political figure, but that was not the fullness of his identity. He was a son, a husband, a father, and most importantly, a brother in Christ. When someone’s life is taken, we cannot reduce them to their public platform or the headlines that follow. We must remember the image of God in them. Scripture tells us, “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5). Regardless of political affiliation, he was part of the family of God, and his loss is deeply felt by that family.

Politics are temporary. The kingdom of God is eternal. When we let politics determine how we treat each other, we not only weaken the witness of the Church, but we also reveal where our true hope lies. Jesus said,  “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).  Not if you share the same political views. Not if you vote the same way. If you love one another.

This doesn’t mean politics don’t matter, or that Christians shouldn’t engage in them. But our engagement must be marked by humility, grace, and truth. When disagreements arise, we should remember Paul’s words: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Our calling is to reflect Christ above all else, even in the midst of a polarized culture.

The world is watching. They will know us by our fruit, not our party. In moments like this, we don’t need to react emotionally or politically, but biblically. God calls us to love, to forgive, to seek peace, and to stand firm in truth. Not “your” truth or “my truth”, but THE truth.

​Paul reminded us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). That means our first response must be shaped by Scripture, not by social media feeds or political rhetoric or whatever “news” channel you tend to watch. Let’s be quick to mourn with those who mourn, to pray for peace, and to remember that our unity in Christ is stronger than anything that could divide us.

So today, let’s stop looking at the world through red and blue. Politics will always try to force us into categories, but the kingdom of God is not divided along party lines. Instead, we need to see with spiritual eyes, discerning good and evil. In the end, there are only two sides: God’s side and the other side. 

Before you react to the latest headline or next political firestorm, make sure you do your research and don't just rely on out of context video snippets, social posts, and biased news reports that can influence your perspective. Most importantly though, stop and pray. Ask yourself if your words, your posts, and your conversations truly represent Christ. Our allegiance is not to a party platform but to the Word of God. Too often, we rush to defend our political side instead of kneeling before the Lord and seeking His wisdom. Scripture reminds us, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). If our response doesn’t reflect Him, then we are fighting the wrong battle.