Moving forward amid political unrest
THE v i ol e nt prote s t i n t he past few weeks was shocking, surreal and sad. Despite t he fa ct t hat t he melee has subsided, we are all l eft with questions l i ke: How do we move forward? What should our response be? How are we t o conduct ourselves now?
Thankfully, the timeless wisdom of Scripture is here for us, teaching us how to behave at all times – even in the face of a political uprising like the one we just witnessed.
To help you navigate this unprecedented period in history and keep your witness for Christ intact, we share with you must- read verses to guide you through the current crisis.
Philippians 3: 20: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
CITIZENS
While it is true that we are emaSwati, we must remember, irst and f oremost , we a re c i t i z e ns of t he Kingdom of God. Our focus and mission is on establishing and building the Kingdom of Heaven, not being c o n s u me d wi t h t h e p o we r a n d politics of our earthly kingdom. We must do the work of the Lord above all else.
2 Timothy 2: 14: “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.”
There have been lots of arguments, insults, accusations and demeaning comments t hrown around l ately. This is true especially online and particularly among those with opposing political af iliations. Though t hi s i s routine and unsurprising these days, for believers, quarreling is not advised. Scripture deems it worthless and destructive.
James 1: 19- 20: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
It seems like no one wants to listen anymore. Everyone wants to share their side, present their opinion as fact, and pretend that their reality is objective and right. But failing to listen, and giving into anger leads to misdeeds, violence and division.
Proverbs 15: 18: “A hot- tempered person stirs up con lict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
Cooler heads prevail, but hotheads fail to do what is useful, constructive and bene icial. No wonder the word of God warns against being hot- tempered. Whenever you see violence and rebellion, you can be sure emotions have run high, tempers have lared, and there’s a hothead somewhere in the mix stirring up con lict instead of a cooler head encouraging calm. Be the latter.
Col o s s i ans 3: 14: “And ove r a l l these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Our love is the only true witness we have to our fa i t h. Without i t , division dominates and unity disappears. What the world needs now is not more political opinions, doctrinal disputes and self- righteous diatribes. The world needs l ove, peace and unity. Show love.
Romans 12: 21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Racism, social injustice and political corruption are rampant in the world. Some deal with it by being violent , l ashing out against their fe l l owman, pointing i ngers and inding fault. But the way to overcome evil is by doing good. When you treat the unkind with kindness, God will reward you.
Look, there will always be chances for you to veer away from biblical principles, give people a piece of your mind, and get caught up in the cares and affairs of life.
But if you want to do things God’s way, you must submit to His word, and be led by the spirit of God – not your leshly desires – every day.