At Calvary, we come together to know Christ so that we can make him known. That is our mission, and our why is simple: because the world needs Jesus. This mission shapes every area of our lives, including how we engage with our communities and exercise our right to vote.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out our faith with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Voting provides an opportunity to consider not only our own interests, but also the needs of our neighbors, our communities, and future generations. We should not take this privilege lightly, but approach it prayerfully, thoughtfully, and with genuine concern for the people our decisions may affect.
Where Is Our Trust?
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” – Psalm 20:7 (ESV)
Our hope is not in a political party, a candidate, or an earthly leader. Our trust belongs in the name of the Lord our God. We can participate in the electoral process without placing our hope in its outcome. No matter who holds office, our confidence remains in Christ.
We must also be careful not to allow politics to divide us, distract us from our mission, or damage our witness. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, even when we disagree. How we treat one another matters because the world needs to see and experience the love of Christ through us.
Why Should I Vote?
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” – Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God instructed His people, who were living in exile, to seek the welfare of the city where He had sent them and to pray to the Lord on its behalf. Although this instruction was given specifically to the Israelites in exile, it illustrates an important principle: God’s people should care about the well-being of the communities in which they live.
Voting is one way we can participate responsibly in our communities and contribute to their welfare. We are privileged to live in a country where we can participate in choosing those who lead and make decisions that affect our communities. We should approach this privilege with gratitude, prayer, and a genuine desire to seek the good of our neighbors.
Voting is not a substitute for the gospel or the work God has called us to do. Rather, our civic responsibilities and our Christian mission should work together as we live out our faith.
Who Should I Vote For?
In Micah 6:8 (NIV), we are reminded to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Proverbs 31:8–9 calls us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of those in need. These biblical principles should guide us as we consider candidates and the issues before us. As Christians, we each have an individual responsibility to become informed, examine candidates and issues carefully, and prayerfully consider which choices best reflect biblical principles of justice, mercy, integrity, and concern for others.
How Can We Pray?
“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 pray for our nation, our leaders, and the electoral process. Prayer reminds us that while we have a responsibility to participate, our ultimate trust remains in the Lord. As we prepare to vote, let us also commit ourselves to prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance throughout the electoral process.
We pray:
- For wisdom and discernment. Ask God for wisdom as we evaluate candidates, consider the issues, and make informed decisions guided by biblical convictions.
- For candidates and elected leaders. Pray that those seeking office and those serving in leadership would act with integrity, pursue justice, and recognize their responsibility to serve the people. Pray that they would come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and seek His wisdom and guidance in the decisions they make.
- For a fair and peaceful election. Pray for honesty, integrity, and peace throughout the electoral process, and for those responsible for administering elections.
- For the needs of our neighbors. Ask God to help us consider how our decisions affect the vulnerable, the poor, our families, and future generations.
- For unity within the Church. Pray that political differences would not divide believers or distract us from loving one another and serving together in Christ.
- For opportunities to make Christ known. Pray that Calvary would remain faithful to its mission, showing the love of Jesus through our words, actions, and care for others, regardless of the election’s outcome.
- For trust in the Lord. Ask God to guard our hearts against fear, anger, and misplaced hope, reminding us that our confidence rests in him rather than in earthly leaders.
We seek to approach voting with prayerful hearts, informed minds, and a willingness to seek God’s wisdom. Regardless of the outcome of an election, our calling remains unchanged: to love God, love our neighbors, and make Christ known because the world needs Jesus.
