“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:17–18).

The deep divide in our nation troubles me as a Christian man and leader. Many of my friends are Christians with whom I share basic religious, political, and ethical agreement. Since the MAGA ascendency, I have found that even among strong Reformed friends there are disagreements. I hear regularly of families and friends separated permanently by political differences. Yet my friendships have only deepened. Why? Because for each of us Christians our politics is not our religion.

I have been cancelled with an Irish goodbye by a few, but only by those for whom their politics is their religion, even if they would not label it as such. They have no transcendent reality which is more important than their politics. But Christians have every reason to transcend political differences; we share a common God and a common good. With unbelieving friends and family I have maintained a good relationship because politics and other differences are not my religion, and also because we have God’s image in common, even though they do not recognize it. With some friends and family I do not talk about the things about which we disagree, but with others we can discuss those differences without acrimony. Our friendship and my religion would never sacrifice any relationship based on these differences, and I have told them so.

Unbelieving family and friends bear God’s image; so, Calvin in the Institutes says that not to love our unbelieving neighbor is to dishonor God. Some unbelieving neighbors make that exceedingly difficult, until I remember how difficult my sins made my Savior’s death on the cross. The love of Christ constrains me to seek their best, especially when they do not seek mine. In seeking opportunity to explain the gospel to them, I always remember Peter’s exhortation: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15). The first thing about politics and many other personal preferences is that they are not the first thing.

Gregory E. Reynolds is pastor emeritus of Amoskeag Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Manchester, New Hampshire, and is the editor of Ordained Servant. Ordained Servant Online, November, 2025