The conversation continued to the point there were individuals involved in the discussion who were questioning the motives of others and believers and who were obviously becoming agitated. The term “hypocrite” even showed up in the discussion. I finally typed this short statement: “To all involved in this conversation … So sorry if it created tension. Gonna silence myself on this conversation. It seems we’ve gone to questioning one another’s motives and stating what’s in someone else’s heart. This is dangerous for church unity and is a poor witness to the unbelieving.”
Church leader, a word of wisdom in this election year: Unless someone asks your opinion, don’t discuss politics. (Even if they ask your opinion, answer them in private, not during a small-group meeting.) Unbelievers will most likely be unable to understand an evangelical viewpoint, and young believers will perceive that passionately bringing one’s perspective to the forefront is the noble thing to do. Passions will trump unity, and the conversation that ensues will be divisive.
But the most devastating thing is, in the country we live in today, some people will conclude who you are by which box they believe you fit in, and they will forever see you from that political perspective. They are unable to see you as a free thinker, a believer allowing the Word of God to be the ultimate guide concerning each issue, someone who is neither Republican nor Democrat. Each time your group meets, when a discussion occurs on a given social issue, some group members who are politically minded will believe the Republican is coming to his conclusion based on political affiliation rather than on the Word of God, and vice versa.
