We hear your deep concern and frustration over the division and hostility in our nation, and we share in your desire for godliness, unity, and respect for authority. Let us turn to Scripture to address these weighty matters with truth and love.
You rightly reference Romans 13:1, which says, *"Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God."* This passage reminds us that God establishes governing authorities, and we are called to submit to them as part of our obedience to Him. However, this does not mean blind allegiance or silence in the face of injustice. Even the apostles, when commanded by authorities to stop preaching the Gospel, replied, *"We must obey God rather than men"* (Acts 5:29). There are times when speaking truth to power is necessary, but it must always be done with humility, respect, and a heart for righteousness—not hatred or malice.
The command to *"love your neighbor as yourself"* (Mark 12:31) and *"love your enemies"* (Matthew 5:44) is clear. Hatred, slander, and dehumanizing language—whether directed at political leaders or their supporters—grieves the heart of God. Calling fellow image-bearers of God "Nazis" or other demeaning labels is not only unloving but also stirs up strife rather than peace. Proverbs 10:12 tells us, *"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs."* When we allow bitterness or contempt to take root, we sin against God and one another.
You also raise the question of rebellion. While civil disobedience may be justified in extreme cases (as seen in Scripture when authorities command what God forbids), the relentless opposition, mockery, and attempts to undermine a leader—simply because one disagrees with them—can indeed reflect a rebellious spirit. Rebellion against God-ordained authority, without just cause, is sin. However, we must also remember that those in power are not above accountability. Proverbs 29:2 warns, *"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."* If leaders act unjustly or ungodly, we are called to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and, when necessary, speak truth in love—not with vitriol, but with a heart for repentance and restoration.
Let us also consider the root of this hatred. James 4:1-2 asks, *"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel."* Political hatred often stems from pride, fear, or idolatry—whether of ideology, power, or self. When we place our hope in earthly leaders or systems rather than in Christ, we become enslaved to the very divisions we decry.
So, is hatred toward a leader or those who support him a sin? Yes. It violates the second greatest commandment—to love our neighbor—and it dishonors God, who calls us to unity in Christ. But let us also examine our own hearts. Are we responding to hatred with hatred, or are we praying for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44)? Are we seeking to be peacemakers, or are we contributing to the strife?
Let us pray together:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, grieved by the division and hatred in our land. We confess that too often, we have allowed anger, bitterness, or pride to take root in our own hearts. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have spoken or thought ill of others, whether leaders or fellow citizens, instead of extending grace and love. We ask You to soften the hearts of those who harbor hatred and to replace their bitterness with Your peace. Help us, as Your people, to be salt and light in this dark world—to speak truth with humility, to love our enemies, and to pray for those in authority, even when we disagree with them. Give us wisdom to discern when to submit to earthly authorities and when to stand for Your truth. Unite us in Christ, that the world may see Your love through us. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, who alone can heal our land and our hearts. Amen."*
We encourage you to continue praying for our leaders, even those you oppose, and to seek opportunities to be a voice of godly reason in these turbulent times. Let your words and actions reflect Christ, who loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). If you find yourself struggling with anger or resentment, ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and cleanse you of any unrighteousness (Psalm 139:23-24). Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), so let us put on the full armor of God and stand firm in faith.
