The Fruit of the Spirit and Politics

Pastor Randy Hahne 

 

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians with the hope of offering wisdom and clarity between the Christian Jews and the Christian Gentiles. This was no small issue to the early church; therefore, Paul used aggressive language to address the racial hostility with the hope of restoring unity between these two groups. Paul knew that the issue had to be addressed because fractions tends to spread to more people.

 

In today’s political climate, there is a tendency to lose ourselves when we are faced with the opposite of what we believe. In other words, we have seem to lost what it means to disagree in an agreeable manner when it comes to politics. As Christians, operating out of the Fruit of the Spirit does not go by the wayside when it comes to things we disagree with. However, these are times when the Fruit of the Spirit should be on display in our lives. Notice the fruit is not some abstract thought but rather its actions displayed towards others. These actions are not only displayed towards others we agree with but with those we disagree with.

 

As we re-read Paul’s list to the early church we must consider what it looks like in today’s context. What does it look like to be patient and kind towards someone who is of a different political party? What does it look like to practice gentleness and self-control when your view is attacked online? These are just some questions to consider as we all move forward in this political climate.

 

Remember, you cannot control the actions of others but you can control yours. You cannot control what others say but you can control what comes out of your mouth. You cannot control what others post on social media but you can control what your fingers type.