Do You Have Hatred for Members of the Opposing Political Party?

Democrat or Republican, We are All One in Christ and Should Start Acting Like It

In a world where politics often feels like a battlefield, it’s become all too easy to view those on the opposite side as enemies rather than neighbors. Daily, we’re bombarded with rhetoric that fuels division, headlines that stoke outrage, and messages that seem designed to make us believe the worst about anyone who disagrees with us. But have we paused to consider what, or perhaps who, benefits from this hatred? What if the true enemy isn’t the person on the other side of the political divide, but a far more insidious force—one that thrives on division, discord, and destruction?

The Bible warns of an adversary whose mission is to “steal, kill, and destroy.” This enemy, often referred to as the devil, seeks to weaken us by pitting us against one another. By fostering resentment between even those who share a common faith, he aims to disrupt unity, stifle compassion, and turn hearts cold. And as Christians, we must ask ourselves a difficult but necessary question: Have we allowed political allegiance to overshadow our allegiance to Christ? Have we traded empathy and understanding for suspicion and hostility?

This essay invites you to look past the political noise and recognize the true battle at hand—not one of right versus left, but of love versus hate, unity versus division. We’ll explore how the devil uses political rhetoric to sow seeds of discord among believers, examine the impact of this division on our relationships and faith, and challenge ourselves to move from hatred toward a powerful, unifying love that stands against the darkness.

The Devil’s Strategy: Divide and Conquer

In the Bible, we see that the enemy’s purpose is to "steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10). One of the most effective tools in his arsenal is fear and hatred, which breed division among people, even those who share common faith. Political allegiance has become a primary point of division among Christians, and the polarization is further exacerbated by journalists, subject matter experts, politicians and media personalities who employ divisive rhetoric. These words sow seeds of hatred and discord, leading many believers to view fellow Christians as adversaries rather than siblings in faith.

The Apostle Paul warns in Ephesians 6:12 that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” This scripture reminds us that our battle is not against one another, but against the evil forces that seek to destroy unity among believers. When we allow political rhetoric to foster hatred toward our brothers and sisters in Christ, we play into the enemy’s hands, weakening our collective power to do good and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.