We need more love for our politicians

Politics at least for the last eight years has been a tale of the unexpected, but what has sadly but not surprisingly been consistent has been the low view the public have for politicians.

In the league table of who you trust, politicians are always in the relegation zone, and this is matched by the growing disinterest and disdain for politics. But Christians, we have to do better and be distinctive in our view of politics, particularly when our politicians let us down.

Romans 12: A Biblical foundation for political discourse

We can turn to lots of the Bible for inspiration about politics but perhaps inevitably turn to Romans. However, it’s not just to the classic verses in Romans 13 reminding us to respect the ordained institution of government, but the chapters which motivate our attitude and relationships which remind us of God’s mercy.

Romans 12 is like a powerful waterfall, flowing out ‘in view of God’s mercy’ – ‘Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.’

We need as Christians to be overflowing with sincere love, not least in politics. The public is crying out for authenticity, not synthetic love but the gold-plated, sacrificial, putting-others-before-yourself love. It means loving those left behind and unloved by the world – it could mean a modern-day version of the tax collector or prostitute.

Love which stands against what is wrong, and standing for what is good. Like William Wilberforce’s twin tasks to abolish the slave trade and reform manners, or in modern parlance make goodness fashionable. Are we as Christians in our political discourse known as much as what we are for as for what we are against?

How Christians can make a difference in political debates

I recall soon after being elected in 2005 being thrown into a big ethical debate as a member of the Parliamentary Committee scrutinising the Human Fertilisation and Embryo Bill. While I was clear about what I was against, namely research into animal/ human hybrid embryos, I was less clear about what I was for, which led to being an advocate for adult and umbilical cord blood sourced stem cell research.

On the subject of big ethical debates, as we respond to the outcome of the votes on the assisted dying bill, will you continue in your engagement with your MP? Don’t just treat MPs as lobby fodder, whom we just value on the basis of what they have done for us. That is following the world’s way of transactional politics. As Christians, God’s way is of course better, as we continue to respectfully affirm our MPs’ God-ordained role as His servants. MPs actually get reminded at the start of each day when the Speaker’s Chaplain prays:

‘Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our King and his government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may your kingdom come and your name be hallowed. Amen.’

Let us use this as a regular reminder to shape our prayerful attitude to politicians.

Finally, as we celebrate God’s gloriously merciful act in sending His Son to be born into this messed-up world and loved us so much to die for us, why not be spurred to write to your MP and wish them a Happy Christmas, and to have a good rest with their family, and assure them of your prayers.

● Christian MPs and political figures contribute as believers, not party politicians. en does not endorse any one particular party.