Pastor: Overcoming a divided nation will take prayer, love and seeing, hearing Jesus

As I write this article we are two days removed from the assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life. By the time you read it, we will be closer to a week removed.

The events of that day remind us of how divided we are as a nation, though to be honest, I believe that the divide is magnified in the media and on social media. Most know how to be good neighbors even if they vote differently from each other. But it does raise the question, how should we, especially Christians, handle or conduct ourselves in such times?

First, since we are talking of political divide, we need to remember our call to pray for those in leadership. “First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV).

We are called to pray for those in leadership regardless of whether or not we voted for them. So pray for those who are running for office, on both sides of the ballot. Pray God will convict them of what is right and wrong, that God will grant them wisdom. Pray our lawmakers will be just in making laws rather than partisan. But notice as well that we are to pray for them that we may live peaceful and quiet lives that are godly.

It is the church's job to proclaim the gospel message

I fear that too often we get things mixed up. Too often we look to government to make people righteous. We look to them to pass laws that will change people’s hearts, but that is impossible. What is possible is that the government acts justly and for the most part leaves people who are doing right alone. It is the church’s job to proclaim the gospel message and lead others to Christ Jesus, because it is only Jesus Christ who is able to cleanse the heart and mind and bring about righteousness in the lives of people.

While we want our government to do what is right, in reality, it is only Jesus who can heal and unite a land. Which brings me to the second point of what we can do as Christians. Love. Love our neighbors as ourselves. Love even our enemies. As Jesus said, if someone strikes us on the cheek, turn to him the other. Overcome evil with good and do it with love.

If we want healing to come to our nation, let it start with us. Let us pray for our nation, and pray for those in leadership positions, from the president all the way down to our local leaders. And let us choose to show love to others, instead of hate, so that they can see and hear Jesus through us.

Scot Myers is the minister at Ashland Christian Church.