Who Would Jesus Vote For?
- Sam Peters
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
When I sit down to write this blog, I think of you — the leaders, pastors, and church members wrestling with the complexities of guiding a congregation today. Lately, I’ve noticed a familiar tension in the air as we approach another election season. Many church leaders are asking: Should we wade into these divisive political waters?
On one hand, we fear alienating half of our congregation with a single comment. On the other hand, we wonder if we have a responsibility to speak up. It’s a tough spot to be in, and I get it.
But here’s a question that keeps coming to my mind: Who would Jesus vote for? Depending on our political leanings, it’s tempting to imagine that He’d vote just like us. We might even throw out a Bible verse or two to back up our beliefs. But is that really what the Bible says about politics? And what should our stance be as believers navigating this landscape?
Paul speaks to our behavior towards governing authorities in Romans 13: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good..."[1]
It’s crucial to remember that when Paul wrote this, there were no chapters or verses — just a continuous letter meant to be read in context. This passage, encouraging us to "be subject to the governing authorities," is part of a broader teaching. Let's look at what bookends this section:
Romans 12 concludes:"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil... If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."[2]
Imagine if we took these words to heart before posting that tweet or sharing that heated opinion. After setting the tone in Chapter 12, Paul continues in Chapter 13 to say:"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law."[3]
When Jesus was asked which commandment is the greatest, He replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”[4]
In my experience, when we get the love part right, everything else falls into place. But, as we all know, love can be interpreted in many ways. As author AD Robles puts it, “Love is an action first and foremost, not a feeling. Love cannot be truly understood outside of the context of God’s moral law.”[5]
So, how can we as leaders navigate the political waters without hurting our witness or effectiveness? I believe it starts with keeping our personal political views out of the pulpit. Why? Because our role carries a greater responsibility. James warned:"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment."[6]
A wise friend of mine once said, “When we get off the subject of Jesus, we’re off the subject.” People may disagree with us, but let’s let the Word of God stand as our truth.
Recently I was listening to a podcast hosted by Carey Nieuwhof as he interviewed pastor Andy Stanley on this issue of pastoring in a partisan age. There was one statement he made that stuck with me as it clearly articulates what I’ve been saying for some time in this era of social media diatribes. He said, “We may not agree politically, culturally or even theologically, but we can agree to love unconditionally.”[7]
Paul provides the perfect antidote to today’s divisive climate:"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself... Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."[8]
Let’s return to the original question: “Who would Jesus vote for?”
Here’s my take: He’d vote for you! I know this because He chose to give His life for you and me. His ultimate "vote" was to redeem us so that we might follow His example of love and humility.
So, I urge you — resist the temptation to get caught in partisan debates. Instead, focus on what truly matters: making disciples and sharing the Good News of Christ. Our witness suffers when we insist that our way is the only way. Even if we are "right," how does that further the mission of evangelism and disciple-making?
We’re in this together, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Let us, under every circumstance, love one another unconditionally.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please share your reflections in the comments — with love, so we all benefit. And if you found this article helpful, consider sharing it on your social feeds to bless others.
[1] Romans 13:1-4 NKJV
[2] Romans 12:16-18 NKJV
[3] Romans 13:8-10 NKJV
[4] Matthew 22:36-39 NKJV
[5] Robles, AD, Social Justice Pharisees, 2022, p. 20
[6] James 3:1 NKJV
[8] Philippians 2:3-5 NKJV
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