This article was originally published by Higher Ground.

By Bunni Pounds

In a time when politics are often polarizing and contentious, as Christians we grapple with engaging politically without compromising our faith.

I hear it all the time: “Bunni, how in the world can you be involved in that political world?” My own father felt that politics was inherently evil for years, but the Bible provides a perspective to help us understand our role in the world, emphasizing the power of us carrying love, justice and integrity as the hands and feet of Jesus. My testimony is that I have been involved in politics for over 20 years and I still love Jesus.

Here are six important ways to be politically involved without compromising our faith.

1. Understand the biblical mandate for engagement

The Christian faith calls for us believers to be active participants in our communities. We are not to retreat but to care for others.

In Jeremiah 29:7, God instructs His people to seek the welfare of the city they inhabit: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Engagement is not only encouraged but mandated. Jesus Himself interacted with political authorities, often challenging unjust systems while promoting values of love and mercy. Also remember the great leaders of the Bible who were high up in political leadership and impacted people for good – Joseph, Deborah, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, and others.

Recognizing this biblical foundation allows Christians to view political involvement as obedience to God’s call. It is possible to advocate for biblical justice without abandoning our principles.

2. Prioritize values over partisan politics

In today’s political landscape, it is easy for individuals to align closely with a political party, sometimes at the expense of our core convictions. Christians should prioritize our values and principles over party politics, examining candidates and policies through a biblical lens.

We are Kingdom people first. Though we must pick a “team” in the political world as we vote and engage – we still need to see people as individuals and most importantly people that God loves – regardless of if they are taking a different position than us on an issue.

I think of 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 which shows how our focus on people can become a problem for our beliefs: “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?”

Engagement should focus on promoting candidates and policies that align with Christian values, regardless of party affiliation. This approach encourages critical thinking and allows believers to support faith-based convictions above everything else.

3. Get equipped with understanding

Being politically involved requires knowledge, understanding, and education. We should educate about the political process, current issues, and how these intersect with our faith. This involves not only reading Scripture but also engaging with trusted sources that provide insights into political matters from a Christian perspective.

This is why my organization Christians Engaged focuses on developing educational courses to equip believers in God’s Word and understanding for civic engagement including running for office. Attending town hall meetings, and political clubs, participating in local discussions, and growing in our understanding can help us make more informed decisions. This education increases our sense of responsibility and encourages us to better contribute to the political issues of our culture.

4. Speak the truth in love

Christians have a unique opportunity to model civil discourse. Engaging with others respectfully, even when disagreements arise, can be a powerful witness to the love of Christ. Ephesians 4:15 calls believers to speak the truth in love, emphasizing the importance of both honesty and kindness.

When discussing political issues, Christians should approach conversations with compassion, actively listening to the concerns of others. This approach often opens the door for meaningful dialogue that reflects Christ’s love and grace. We can take on a position, but not the person.

5. Live out integrity

Political involvement should never compromise our personal integrity. Christians are called to live lives that reflect Christ’s teachings, including honesty, humility, and compassion. This means being truthful in communications, avoiding slander, and refraining from hateful rhetoric.

Over the years as a political consultant and candidate myself – I had to make hard choices that were not easy. Will I do what is politically expedient, or do the right thing?

Maintaining integrity also involves being willing to admit mistakes and learn from them. I have made tons and tons of mistakes through the years and have had to go to people and ask their forgiveness. When engaging politically, we, as believers, are called to uphold our values, demonstrating that our faith informs our actions in every sphere of life. We don’t cease to be Christ followers as we engage in politics. We actually need to step up our game to represent Him well.

6. Pray as we engage

Prayer is essential in the life of a believer, especially when facing today’s challenging political problems. Christians need prayer for guidance, wisdom, and discernment in our political decisions. We can’t make it without God in this world especially when we are engaging the world.

I have never been more desperate for God than when I was running for office or dealing with a monumental problem with a client in a campaign. I share in my book “Jesus and Politics” how I was blessed to walk with Congressman Ron Wright during his first congressional race as he was sick with cancer. No one knew but myself and his campaign manager, Micah, and it forced me to seek God even more for Ron, his wife Susan, and that important race during that season.

Prayers bring humility into our lives as we engage in a part of our culture that is controlled by pride. Talking to God can transform how we as Christians approach political involvement, rooting our actions in a foundation of faith.

Political engagement is not only possible for Christians but essential for reflecting the values of their faith in the public square. If we are not in the room – how can we bring in biblical wisdom? If we are not in the room – the vacuum will be filled by others who do not share our values.

But as I say all the time, when we are engaging, we must walk with Jesus. Our attitudes and actions can impact individual Americans and our nation as we live out our faith in the political space, viewing it as our mission field and calling.

Don’t be afraid, church, it is time to engage. Just walk with Jesus as you do it.

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