Dear Church,

Let us keep close to our hearts the true reason why the church was created. The church exists not to fulfill God’s wrath but to complete His mercy. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19:

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
God’s house is called to be a house of prayer for all nations. Jesus commanded us to pray for those who persecute us, to intercede on behalf of all people—kings and all who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), and for one another that we may be healed (James 5:16).

True intercessory prayer often arises when sin is rampant, making it difficult in our human nature to pray for those who oppose us. Yet, we are called to pray in times of distress for God’s mercy, thus bringing healing and restoration. Pray in love, not vindictively; pray for mercy, not condemnation; pray for redemption, not destruction.

However, in a divided and politically charged society, this becomes increasingly challenging. Lately, I have noticed that too many Christians have become followers of the news media rather than followers of Jesus Christ. Conforming to the views of our political parties—right or left—is not the same as conforming to Godliness.

Amid the unfolding events in our nation, how do we uphold our role as followers of Christ through our words, actions, social media posts, and more? How do we embody Christ’s command in 1 Timothy 2:8 for men and women everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing? It is only our submitting to Holy Spirit that can lead us into such Christlikeness.

Be encouraged,
Mathews