As a church, we believe every follower of Jesus Christ should faithfully engage in the privilege and responsibility of voting. It is an expression of good stewardship, and we encourage everyone to vote on issues or for candidates based on personal conviction out of their relationship with God.
But amidst the campaigning and political rhetoric, we can struggle with how to navigate the complexity of an election season. So I thought it might be helpful to share the best voting advice I’ve ever encountered.
Although it comes from October 1774, it is well-stated pastoral wisdom; and I encourage everyone to follow it:
“I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them:
- To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy
- To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and
- To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.”
– John Wesley, October 6, 1774.
May God lead you with great wisdom by His Spirit in this election season!
