Family dinners have become minefields. Social media feels like a war zone. The mention of politics can turn lifelong friends into strangers and church members into enemies. If you’ve ever felt your stomach drop when someone brings up current events, you’re not alone. Political division has infected our relationships, our churches, and even our own hearts in ways that feel both overwhelming and inescapable.
The apostles lived under Roman occupation, dealt with taxation debates, and navigated complex religious and political tensions. Yet somehow, the early church managed to include tax collectors and zealots, Roman centurions and Jewish revolutionaries in the same fellowship. They found a way to prioritize their shared identity in Christ over their political allegiances.
These verses won’t tell you how to vote or which candidate to support, but they offer something more valuable: a framework for loving people whose politics make your blood pressure spike. They remind us that our ultimate citizenship lies elsewhere and that the person across the political aisle is still created in God’s image, regardless of their yard signs.
Bible Verses for Dealing with Political Division
1. Romans 13:1 – Let Everyone Be Subject to the Governing Authorities
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.
New International Version (NIV)
2. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Pray for Kings and All Those in Authority
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3. Philippians 3:20 – Our Citizenship Is in Heaven
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
New King James Version (NKJV)
4. Matthew 22:21 – Give Back to Caesar What Is Caesar’s
“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
New Living Translation (NLT)
5. John 18:36 – My Kingdom Is Not of This World
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6. Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7. Romans 14:1 – Accept the One Whose Faith Is Weak
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
King James Version (KJV)
8. 1 Peter 2:17 – Show Proper Respect to Everyone
Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
9. Romans 12:18 – Live at Peace with Everyone
If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
The Message (MSG)
10. Ephesians 4:29 – Do Not Let Any Unwholesome Talk Come Out
Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].
Amplified Bible (AMP)
11. Colossians 4:6 – Let Your Conversation Be Always Full of Grace
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.
New English Translation (NET)
12. James 1:19 – Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13. Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
A kind answer turns away anger, but mean words stir up anger.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
14. Matthew 5:9 – Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!
Good News Translation (GNT)
15. Romans 12:10 – Be Devoted to One Another in Love
Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.
New Century Version (NCV)
16. 1 Corinthians 1:10 – I Appeal to You That All of You Agree
Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, that all of you be united in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your understanding and opinions.
International Standard Version (ISV)
17. Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Tree of Life Version (TLV)
18. 2 Timothy 2:24 – The Lord’s Servant Must Not Be Quarrelsome
And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but kind toward all, able to teach, forbearing.
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
19. Titus 3:2 – Speak Evil of No One
to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
World English Bible (WEB)
20. Proverbs 18:13 – To Answer Before Listening
He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
American Standard Version (ASV)
21. Romans 14:13 – Stop Passing Judgment on One Another
Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
22. Luke 6:27-28 – Love Your Enemies
But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
New American Bible (NAB)
23. Ecclesiastes 3:7 – A Time to Be Silent and a Time to Speak
A time to rend, and a time to sew: a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB)
24. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
Wherefore exhort one another, and build each one the other up, even as also ye do.
English Revised Version (ERV)
25. Psalm 133:1 – How Good and Pleasant When God’s People Live Together
Lo, how good and how pleasant For brethren to dwell even together!
Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
26. Matthew 5:44 – Pray for Those Who Persecute You
But I say to you, Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
Darby Translation (DARBY)
27. Romans 15:5-6 – May the God Who Gives Endurance Grant You Unity
And may the God who gives us power to endure, grant you such unity of feeling in accordance with the teaching of Christ Jesus, that with one heart and voice you may praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Weymouth New Testament (WNT)
28. Daniel 2:21 – He Changes Times and Seasons
And he chaungith tymes and ages, and translatith rewmes, and ordeyneth kyngis; and yyueth wisdom to wise men, and kunnyng to hem that kunnen vndurstondyng.
Wycliffe Bible (WYC)
29. Jeremiah 29:7 – Seek the Peace and Prosperity of the City
And seeke the prosperitie of the citie, whither I haue caused you to be caried away captiues, and pray vnto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall you haue peace.
Geneva Bible (GNV)
30. 1 Peter 3:15 – Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer
But sanctifie the Lorde God in your heartes: and bee ready alwayes to giue an answere to euery man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekenesse and feare.
Bishop’s Bible
31. Acts 5:29 – We Must Obey God Rather Than Human Beings
Peter and the other Apostles answered and sayde: We ought more to obey God then men.
Tyndale Bible
32. Romans 12:2 – Do Not Conform to the Pattern of This World
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you.
The Living Bible (TLB)
33. James 3:17 – The Wisdom That Comes from Heaven
But the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form.
The Passion Translation (TPT)
34. Philippians 4:8 – Think About Such Things
Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.
The Voice Bible (VOICE)
35. Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to Do Right; Seek Justice
Learn to do what is right! Try to be fair and to help those who are hurt. Give orphans their rights, and defend widows in court.
New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Political Division
What stands out to me most about Scripture’s approach to political differences is how it consistently points us beyond earthly kingdoms to eternal perspectives. The early church included people with radically different political views. Tax collectors worked for the occupying Roman government while zealots plotted rebellion against it, yet they somehow found unity in Christ that transcended their political loyalties.
The Bible doesn’t tell us to avoid political engagement or pretend our convictions don’t matter. Instead, it calls us to hold those convictions with open hands, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to a kingdom that operates by different rules. When we remember that both our political allies and opponents are image-bearers loved by God, it changes how we engage in these conversations.
Scripture consistently emphasizes listening before speaking, showing respect even for those we disagree with, and maintaining relationships that matter more than winning arguments. The goal isn’t political neutrality but rather engaging politically in ways that reflect the character of Christ, even when the stakes feel impossibly high.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess that politics have stirred up anger, fear, and division in my heart in ways that don’t honor You. I’ve allowed political parties and candidates to become idols that I’ve defended with more passion than I’ve shown for Your kingdom. Forgive me for the times I’ve demonized those who disagree with me and forgotten that they, too, are created in Your image.
Help me to hold my political convictions with wisdom and humility, remembering that my citizenship is ultimately in heaven. When political discussions arise, give me the grace to listen well, speak truthfully, and maintain relationships that matter more than being right. Show me how to engage in the political process in ways that reflect Your love and justice.
Remind me to pray for our leaders, even those I didn’t vote for, and to work for the good of my community regardless of who’s in office. Help me to be a peacemaker who builds bridges instead of walls, and to trust that You are sovereign over all earthly authorities. Use me to demonstrate that it’s possible to disagree politically while still loving deeply.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 12 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
Her work has reached over 76,000 monthly readers (which is projected to reach 100,000 readers by the end of 2025) seeking practical faith applications, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
She writes from personal experience, having walked through seasons of waiting, breakthrough, and spiritual growth that inform her teaching.
Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.