PARENT-CHILD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT POLITICS

Several months ago, one of my sons shared a derogatory joke about a political leader he had heard from a friend. This sparked a discussion about the importance of being respectful when talking about adults. These days, it's easy to assume a child's parents' political affiliations based on their comments.

While it's important for parents to stand by their political beliefs, it's important to model respectful conversations about political figures. These leaders are adults and humans, and as parents, we are to teach our kids to respect others, especially authority figures, regardless of differing political views. We are to lead by example because our kids mirror our behavior.

As parents, we are to explain the importance of respecting everyone's opinions and beliefs, even if they differ from ours. Respecting other people’s beliefs and opinions doesn’t mean we agree with them.

As parents, we are to discuss the impact of words and help our children understand how their words can affect others and why choosing them carefully is important. Make it clear that mocking or belittling anyone, including political figures, is unacceptable.

As parents, we are to explain the importance of voting and participating in civic duties and pray for wisdom in discerning who to vote for. We are to help our children understand that the person we vote for may or may not win, but God still encourages us to pray for our leaders.

Everyone deserves respect, no matter how hard it is. Remember, God, our Creator, does not force humans to choose Him. He gave everyone freewill to choose what they want, so we can’t expect everyone to have the same beliefs and opinions as we do. We are to pray for those in authority, whether we like them or not.

Below are some scripture verses about authority:

Titus 3:1-2

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

I Timothy 2:2-4

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

John 19:11 (ESV)

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

Colossians 1:16

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Daniel 2:21

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Romans 13:1-2

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, New International Version.