Let’s Talk About It
“Politics and Relationships”
Matthew 5:13-16, Luke 10:29-37, Genesis 37-50

How should we strike a balance between activism and passivity? 
Activism – making sure you are heard, engaging in active resistance, and fighting external influences, even at personal expense
Passivity – remaining silent, holding back, abstaining from resistance, and yielding to external influences

Activism – Writing politicians, picketing issues, campaigning for candidates, social media blitz, etc.
Passivity – “My Kingdom is not of this world.” –Jesus’s words, John 18:36

So, how should we strike a balance between activism and passivity? 

Activism purely for political purposes is not mentioned in the New Testament since it was not an option for first-century believers. 

The only politically significant things they could do were:
• pay their taxes – Matthew 17:24–27; Matthew 22:15–21; Mark 12:17; Romans 13:6–7)
• pray for their rulers – 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Timothy 2:1–4
• keep the peace – Romans 13:1; Romans 12:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15

Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus instructs every follower toward activism for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Salt – preserve and flavor
Light – clarify and highlight  

Activism: Starting place
1. Understand that we can never fully transform the world. – 1 Corinthians 7:31
2. We can actively work to diminish participation in sin – Titus 2:1-10
3. Provide a contrast that brings interest and attention to Christ – Matthew 5:13-16

Activism: Warnings
1. Activism is what disciples do, not who they are
2. Passivity in society cannot be justified for any follower of Jesus
3. Good deeds without Godly character are useless – Matthew 5:13b, 15; Ephesians 5:15-20; Matthew 22:37-39
4. Christian faith and obedience can’t be only about social improvement – Luke 10:29-37

Activism: Practical steps
1. Pray for those in leadership.
2. Stay informed – Civic or political ignorance is not a Christian virtue.
3. Influence and serve in areas of passion or conviction.
4. Vote – “You can be a single-issue voter, but you can’t be a single-issue Christian.”
5. Some should seek a civic or political vocation 

How do we love people who are so different from us?

Luke 10:29-37

Loving others
1. Remind ourselves of our common humanity
2. Choose to overcome prejudice and bias
3. Through empathy, work to understand their experiences, challenges, and emotions 
4. Show simple kindness 
5. Act without any expectation in return
6. Rehearse that you love because God loved you

How do we set biblical boundaries with people we love who hurt us?

Genesis 37-50 (13 chapters)

Depth of Joseph’s hurt
1. Betrayal by his family
2. Falsely accused of a severe offense 
3. Lost everything 
4. His family needs something from him
5. Loss of time in relationship with his dad 

Boundaries 
1. Forgiveness must be the default – Genesis 39:1-5
2. Trust God for your identity – Genesis 39:19-23
3. Surrender your desire for revenge – Genesis 42:1-25
4. Reconcile as you build trust – Genesis 42-44
5. Find ways to bless them – Genesis 45:4-15
6. Acknowledge your emotions – Genesis 42:24, Genesis 45:1-4, Genesis 50:4
7. Ask God to bring healing – Genesis 50:15-21