In These Divided Times
We can still be people of faith, people of compassion, and people of integrity—even in a divided time.
I want to share this gently, from a place of love, not argument or anger. I realize that I have, at times been harsh, even angry. I am so passionate, and my mouth and fingers are often way ahead of my calmer self. I promise you that comes from a place of compassion for those being impacted by the recent political climate. I am genuinely trying to understand the attraction that so many Christians have towards our current leader, Donald Trump and his policies. Even to the point of possible destruction of our country. The truth is, it is difficult to know where most Christians stand right now. There are still vocal Christians supporting his actions, but we know who they are. I have to profess that many are so silent right now, that I genuinely don’t know where they stand. Not speaking out gives the impression of complicity. This unfortunately looks like acceptance to one side and encouragement to the other. Knowing where one stands is not nearly as important as taking action - letting our politicians and others in our party know that we will not stand for abuse, tyranny, misogyny, and cruel actions towards the least of these, or anyone. It gives me hope that more and more church leaders are speaking out against cruelty, manipulation, bullying, name calling, and irresponsible leaders. Thank you, God, for their courage.
Many of us grew up believing that America’s leaders—whatever their flaws—respected the basics of democracy: truth, accountability, and the peaceful transfer of power. For a long time, that assumption felt safe. But what we’re seeing today with Donald Trump is something different. This isn’t about left or right.
It’s not about loyalty to a party. It’s about recognizing something the Bible teaches clearly:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
(Matthew 7:16)
Over the years (most of his first term) , Trump operated “loosely” inside the political system. But something changed after the 2020 election. He refused to accept the results. He pressured officials to “find votes.” He attacked anyone who stood for truth—even conservatives, judges, and public servants who had been loyal to him.And now, his words are no longer words of a democratic leader. They are words of a man who wants power at any cost. They are the words of a man whose ego will not let him accept the truth.
He openly says:
he will be a “dictator on day one”
he will “root out” and “destroy” opponents
immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of our country
he will use the military in ways no American leader ever has
he will pardon those who used violence to keep him in office
You don’t have to be a Democrat to feel uneasy about this. You just have to be a Christian paying attention. These are no small matters. This is not normal.
This is not healthy. This is not what Jesus calls us to support.
And I say this with all the compassion I can muster: If we ignore these things because he fights for “our side,” we risk losing our moral compass.
We risk confusing political strength with God’s righteousness.
Christians are supposed to be light. We’re supposed to be salt.
We’re supposed to care about truth, humility, compassion, and justice—especially for the vulnerable. These are the easy things on that “supposed to” list.
And none of that requires hating Trump or attacking those who support him. (This is where I have fallen short. I have allowed my passion at times to attack people rather than actions)
It simply requires being honest about the fruits we are seeing. I fully realize I could be wrong, however, in reading about false profits I have found no other category in which to place Trump.
The Bible never tells us to align ourselves with a leader no matter what.
But it does tell us to discern the times.
To protect the oppressed.
To love the stranger.
To reject pride, cruelty, and deception.
And to never place our hope in a political figure over Christ.
I’m not writing this to shame anyone.
I’m writing it because many of us feel torn, confused, and heartbroken.
If something in your spirit feels unsettled, trust that.
That may be the Holy Spirit nudging you toward truth, toward clarity, toward courage.
We can still be people of faith, people of compassion, and people of integrity—even in a divided time.
And we can do it together.
With love,
Diane
