The last few elections… “The divisions between Republicans and Democrats on fundamental political values – on government, race, immigration, national security, environmental protection and other areas – reached record levels during Barack Obama’s presidency. In Donald Trump’s first year as president, these gaps have grown even larger.” – Pew Research Center The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wider, October 5, 2017

World vs. Christians It’s one thing for people of the world to be divisive… but Christians? If we are lovers of our God we will do well to bear His name to a lost world… despite the political climate.

What if I don’t like my leader(s)? When Paul wrote words of exhortation: Roman Government hated Jews/Christians. He lived, encouraged and taught others to respect their leaders. Acts 23:1-5; 1 Tim. 2:1-2 When has it become acceptable for Christians to belittle, bash or hate their leaders?

Checking OUR HEARTS… with our tongues James 3:2 - control your speech. Titus 3:1,2 – “Speak evil of no one.” 1 Peter 2:1 - "Lay aside ... all evil speaking."

Unity found in Christ We should not only want unity… We should show the world what unity looks like in Christ. Cp. Eph. 2:13-18 This includes how we speak to and about one another and our (potential) leaders.