Written By Ella Hartwell // EEW Magazine Online

In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, a growing trend online suggests that cutting ties with friends and family members who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election is justified.

Advocates for this idea argue that Trump's controversial presidency, which opponents have described using terms like "fascist" and "threat to democracy," warrants such drastic measures. The rationale is that anyone who supports him is complicit in advancing harmful ideologies.

This perspective has gained traction, amplified by media pundits, mental health professionals, and social media discourse. While this idea may appeal to those angered by the current political climate, it is not an approach Christians should adopt. Why? Because, whatever the justification, it contradicts the example of love, grace, and reconciliation taught and modeled by Jesus Christ—which is most important in the lives of believers.

At the heart of the Christian faith is the example of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently engaged with those who held different beliefs. Rather than isolating Himself from them, He reached out, offering compassion, wisdom, and a path towards transformation through the Gospel.

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

What if Jesus cut off opponents and those holding ideologically different points of view? We would never get the biblical story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26).

Think about it. Despite the longstanding animosity between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus engages the Samaritan woman in meaningful dialogue. He conveys the truth about Himself and her life, pointing her towards eternal life. This encounter underscores that disagreement and difference, even longstanding hostility, do not preclude the possibility of grace-filled interaction and the potential for spiritual growth.

Dividing ourselves from loved ones based on their political choices undermines the mission of all Christians—to draw others to Christ by sharing and living out the principles of the Gospel.

Sure, the political landscape can feel deeply personal, especially when decisions affect issues that matter greatly to us. Yet, as followers of Christ, our primary identity is not rooted in politics but in the Kingdom of God. Political disagreements, no matter how sharp, should never lead us to sever relationships or harbor resentment.

In a climate where political disagreement often descends into demonization and division, Christians have an opportunity to model a different way. This doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations or ignoring real differences. Rather, it involves recommitting ourselves to the principles of compassion, honesty, and patience that should characterize all our interactions (Colossians 4:6).

Christ's Commandment to Love (Mark 12:31)
As the second great commandment, loving our neighbors as ourselves provides a guiding framework for navigating disagreement. This love is not a feeling, but a choice that leads us to treat others with respect and dignity, even when we deeply disagree.

What the Bible Says About Handling Disagreements

To ground this discussion in Scripture, here are seven verses that directly counter the idea of cutting off people with whom we disagree:

John 13:34-35 – "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Jesus commands love as the defining trait of His followers. Love transcends political disagreements and personal offenses.

Matthew 5:44 – "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Even if someone’s political choices feel adversarial, Jesus calls us to respond with love and prayer, not alienation.

Ephesians 4:32 – "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Forgiveness mirrors God’s grace toward us and fosters healing in relationships, even when views clash.

Romans 12:18 – "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Christians are called to be peacemakers, seeking harmony wherever possible rather than perpetuating division.

Colossians 3:13 – "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Relationships require patience, especially when disagreements arise. Cutting people off bypasses the biblical mandate to forgive.

1 Corinthians 1:10 – "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." Paul urges the church to pursue unity, even when opinions differ, because division weakens the body of Christ.

Proverbs 17:17 – "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." True love and friendship endure through disagreements and challenging times.

A Better Way Forward

Christians are not called to ignore differences or pretend that political issues don’t matter. But we are called to handle conflicts with grace, humility, and love. Jesus Himself did not shun those who opposed Him or made decisions He did not agree with. Instead, He extended forgiveness, sat with sinners, and loved unconditionally.

Severing ties with those who vote differently risks reflecting the culture of outrage rather than the heart of Christ. Instead of fostering division, we should use these opportunities to model the reconciling love of Jesus, even in politically charged times.

As believers, our allegiance to Christ should guide our interactions. Political disagreements, no matter how intense, should not overshadow the command to love others as Christ loves us. The world is watching how we respond to division. Let us reflect the Kingdom of God by choosing grace over estrangement, unity over division, and love over hate. When we do, we testify to a faith that transcends politics and transforms lives.

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