Scripture:
1 John 3:17-18
Proverbs 31:8- 9
Isaiah 1:17
WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD VOTE
As we grow closer to this election, we are hearing more and more conflicting things in regards to who and what we will be voting for. While there are two very passionate sides in regards to support of political parties, there have been a startling number of people, christians included, that have expressed their intentions of NOT voting. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors, and voting is a great and effective way to show your support and love for others within and outside your community.
1 John 3:17-18 says,
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Let’s break that down further. The term material possessions is referring to money, which gives many more advantages than not having money. So it is saying that if you have money or the ability to help those in need, and you don’t, how are you exhibiting God’s love? Having the ability to help those in need and following through is a way we can show God through us, which is what we as Christians are called to do. In today’s society, voting is the most effective way to elicit change in the communities that surround us. Our government ultimately has a lot of influence in our society; shouldn’t that influence be congruous with God’s love? Voting is a perfect action to show love to those around you, and those who are in need.
Let’s face it, our country is in turmoil. Minorities have been and are currently being suppressed and a large majority of why is due to legislation, lack of empathy, and the complacency of the majority. Unfortunately, Christians are not exempt from this lack of action for our minority brothers and sisters, which is the exact opposite of what we are told to do in scripture.
Proverbs 31:8- 9 says,
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Isaiah 1:17 says
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Somehow, even with these calls to action, we still find ourselves being the bystanders and even some of the perpetrators of suppression and oppression. God is love. Jesus has always stood up for the poor, destitute, and needy. Are we not made to be in their image? How can we ignore those who need our help and still tell ourselves that we are doing the most to help others? We need to vote, because our votes matter. We vote to stand up for the oppressed, to show our love and support, and to seek justice. Most importantly, we vote because it is the most effective way to spread God’s love in our broken world.
Action Step: