Throughout history, followers of Christ have lived through a vast range of societal contexts—some marked by privilege, others by persecution. At times, the church has been a beacon of hope; at other times, it has been complicit in atrocity.
Politics and cultural pressures have always pulled the church in different directions. Yet, for those of us committed to following Jesus faithfully—regardless of political shifts—we must learn how to navigate these tensions with wisdom.
As global politics shift and nations grapple with instability, how should Christians respond? How do we take what we learn in the pews and apply it to the world of policy, government, and global affairs?
I’d love to hear your thoughts at the end—especially if you have easy answers!
The Tensions We Face
As much as we’d like to retreat into an ivory tower of faith, Jesus calls us to engage with the world. “Go into all the world,” He commands in Mark 16:15. Our faith is not meant to be passive but lived out in the complexities of real-life issues.
We cannot ignore the ripple effects of global politics—the shockwaves from EU and NATO agendas, the provocations of Russian opposition, or the evolving stance of the UK government in a world inching closer to conflict. And what do we make of Donald Trump’s reposting of an AI-generated video that seemingly downplays real-world warfare? (More on that here.)
The technology race, energy crises, and economic struggles are reshaping international relations. Countries are increasingly prioritising national interests over global cooperation, and beneath the surface, many sense an unspoken fear that large-scale conflict could resurface within our lifetime.
Just last week (March 2025), an EU summit in London reaffirmed a commitment to defending Ukraine (source). The outcome—whatever it may be—will shape the global landscape for years to come.
So, what does all of this mean for Christians? How should we respond in these uncertain times?
Provocateurs or Peacemakers?
Most of us aren’t politicians or policymakers. We’re civilians caught in the crossfire of political and cultural conflicts. While we can’t solve the world’s problems, we can reflect Jesus in the middle of them.
Yet, too often, we default to being provocateurs rather than peacemakers. It’s easy to post armchair opinions online, reinforce echo chambers, and latch onto polarising narratives. But Jesus calls us to something different:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
Peacemaking doesn’t mean ignoring injustice, but it does mean resisting the temptation to add fuel to the fire. Our words have power. Before we engage in heated discussions or debates, we should ask:
- What would Jesus’ response be?
- Am I offering a Kingdom perspective or just another divisive opinion?
- Am I creating peace or escalating tensions?
Romans 12:18 challenges us: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Let’s be people who bring peace—not division.
Holding Tension in a Divisive World
As political narratives gain traction, it’s tempting to pick a side and defend it at all costs. But Jesus calls us to something deeper than blind allegiance.
There are, of course, times when we must take a stand. Injustice demands a response. We cannot remain silent when human rights are stripped away, when people are persecuted, or when the vulnerable suffer.
However, we must also resist the pressure to fall into reactionary thinking. Consider Jesus’ response when asked whether Jews should pay taxes to their Roman oppressors (Matthew 22:15-22). The question was designed to trap Him—yet He neither endorsed Roman rule nor incited rebellion. Instead, He reframed the conversation, shifting the focus back to God.
What if we did the same? Instead of being swept into political extremes, we can hold the tension—acknowledging complexity while keeping our ultimate allegiance to Christ.
Regardless of your political stance, ask:
- How does Jesus’ love compel me to think, speak, and act?
- Am I seeking to win an argument or reflect Christ?
- Am I more committed to a political ideology than to the Kingdom of God?
Suspending judgment doesn’t mean disengaging. It means choosing to love like Christ, even when it’s difficult.
How Should Christians Respond to Rising Global Tensions?
1. Be Aware
Take an active interest in global issues. Foreign affairs impact everyday life—from rising energy costs to economic instability. Pay attention, pray, and expand your understanding beyond your immediate context.
1 Chronicles 12:32 tells us to “understand the times”.
2. Be Prepared
Filter everything you hear through the lens of Christ. Political tensions will come and go, but our ultimate call remains the same: to seek first the Kingdom of God. Align your heart with His mission, even when the world feels chaotic.
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation”, – Matthew 26:41
3. Be Courageous
Stand against injustice while examining your own biases. If you’re liberal in your political leaning, acknowledge the value of conservative perspectives—and vice versa. True engagement requires nuance. Dare to step outside of ideological bubbles and prioritise Christ over political allegiance. Forget the party line or the tribal cry of your subculture and dare to speak the challenge of Kingdom perspectives to all. I guarantee you it’s harder but more rewarding as we seek to demolish echo chambers of rhetoric and build to the Kingdom of God’s breakthrough.
So, here are a few things to consider in our Christian response to rising global tensions. When we’re faced with headlines, war rhetoric, and cultural divides, how do we respond? How does following Jesus reshape our political engagement? And how can we be agents of peace—both in small ways and on a global scale?
Comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
