As the nation officially welcomed the election campaign season, political aspirants braved the pandemic restrictions to seek support across the country. In the news, we see how the pandemic has been shaping opinions and choices that will be made by us, the Filipino people. Social media and public opinion has also been gaining ground as the days go by. The ten candidates who are vying for the highest executive position will be faced with the pressure of economic and post-pandemic recovery. Platforms that will position the country into progressive and inclusive growth are under watch.
With the outpouring support from people, resentment has also been amplified as colors and parties campaign. Choices have caused rifts in relationships and together with heavy political agendas infiltrating social media, and debates among fellow Filipinos can lead to dissociation among families, friends, colleagues, and church community.
As believers, we must stand against any division and seek unity and reconciliation above anything else the way Jesus prayed to the Father (John 17:21). Despite our political leanings, we have to remember that our identity remains to be the people of God. Our protection and future does not solely depend on the outcome of the elections, but on God alone. Jesus prayed this for His disciples, and this extends to us today:
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”
John 17:15–16 (NIV)
Our history has witnessed how political powers shift over time. Ratings of different political aspirants go up and down. Even with this temporary and ever-changing news, God remains the same. Whoever wins the election, His sovereignty stands. Let us pray that God’s truth will enable all Filipinos to see beyond campaigns and platforms across media, and for God’s church to remember His mission and mandate despite the political pressures surrounding our nation.
In a divisive time, let’s pray and declare the fruit of the Spirit to be more evident in us: the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23)
We stand our ground in prayer that the election will be truthful, peaceful, and insightful. As the apostle Paul instructed the early church:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1–3
On the basis of this, let us pray!
PRAYER POINTS
- Pray that we will see our identity as people of God before any political preferences and colors, as we participate in the coming elections. (John 17:16)
- Let us declare a spirit of love instead of hate, openness instead of indifference, and humility instead of self-righteousness.
- Let us claim God’s unity be upon the body of Christ and our nation. (John 17:21)
- Pray that the current election season will build and restore our nation, and allow all Filipinos to find hope in God.