"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor." (1 Peter 2:17)
Here's Pastor and Director of Affinity Graham Nicholls' helpful wisdom on what that looks like in practice for us as Christians in the wake of last week's referendum result:
Do not wring your hands in despair or rub them together in glee but lift them up in prayer.
Practise what you preach and believe that God is in control and trust him for the outcome. He may be judging us as a nation, he may be about to bless us, or both, but always his will always prevails. No-one has won or lost but the Lord of history, who always wins. Do not assume that you have the wisdom to determine if it was the ‘right’ answer or the ‘wrong’ one.
Love your brothers and sisters in Christ and love your neighbours. Your love is being tested. You may have Christian friends, family members, neighbours or workmates who voted differently to you. Be careful not to attribute blame, wrong motives, inferior intellect or failed morality to them. Work for unity within the church and in our divided country. Re-assure those who feel disturbed or anxious.
Preach the gospel. I think the events of the last few weeks have demonstrated a profound spiritual hunger. Tell people about King Jesus. Union with him is all that matters.
Yours in the secure love of Christ,
Graham Nicholls
