Mobs, riots and political unrest: 8 Scriptures to guide you through America’s crisis
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By EEW Magazine Online // Bible Verses // Politics
Americans were aghast at images and videos showing a pro-Trump mob storming the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 6, resulting in the death of four people.
A crowd of dozens that believe the outcome of the 2020 election was the result of voter fraud roamed the halls and infiltrated hallowed spaces. Guns were drawn. Lawmakers, staff members and more were hiding beneath tables, hunkered in lockdowns, saying prayers and seeing the violent result of America’s deeply entrenched divisions up close.
It was shocking, surreal and sad.
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Despite the fact that the melee has subsided, we are all left with questions like: How do we move forward? What should our response be? How are we to 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, EEW Magazine Online is sharing 8 must-read verses to guide you through America’s current crisis.
Philippians 3:20: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
While it is true that we are American citizens, we must remember, first and foremost, we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Our focus and mission is on establishing and building the Kingdom of Heaven, not being consumed with the power and politics of our earthly kingdom. We must do the work of the Lord above all else.
Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Naturally, humans disagree. We have diverse views. Our political opinions and perspectives do not always match. Even so, we must never fight each other, but join forces to fight against our common enemy, Satan, who desires to hinder the will and work of God.
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 thrown around lately. This is true especially online and particularly among those with opposing political affiliations. Though this is 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.
John 18:36: “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’”
As Christians, our aim is to be like Christ. He was hyper-focused on His mission and purpose. Despite what was going on around Him, our savior was single-minded and all about Kingdom work. Imagine Jesus abandoning His divine assignment and devoting His time, effort, attention and energy to the disputes and matters related to the Roman government.
Proverbs 15:18: “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
Cooler heads prevail, but hotheads fail to do what is useful, constructive and beneficial. 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 flared, and there’s a hothead somewhere in the mix stirring up conflict instead of a cooler head encouraging calm. Be the latter.
Colossians 3:14: “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Our love is the only true witness we have to our faith. Without it, division dominates and unity disappears. What the world needs now is not more political opinions, doctrinal disputes and self-righteous diatribes. The world needs love, 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, lashing out against their fellowman, pointing fingers and finding 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 fleshly desires – every day.
