Grace and peace to you, church.

I pray this finds you well and enjoying some cooler weather, wherever you may be reading this message.

As Election Day approaches for our country, I am reminded of something I first came across in 2020 – something I believe worth sharing again as we reflect on the spiritual responsibility we hold when we vote.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, offered some wise council on the topic of voting about 250 years ago. In October 1774, as an election neared in Britain, Wesley wrote three simple but profound rules for Methodists that I believe are just as relevant today:

• “Vote for the person you judge most worthy.”
  Wesley’s first rule reminds us to base our vote on character, integrity and leadership – not just on party loyalty or popular opinion. Voting is an act of discernment, where we are called to seek godly wisdom and choose those who will serve the common good.
  
  
• “Speak no evil of the person you vote against.”
  Politics can be divisive, but Wesley’s second rule challenges us to refrain from harmful speech. It’s easy to get caught up in negative rhetoric or tearing others down, but as followers of Christ, we are called to build up and to speak with love and grace, even in disagreement.
  
  
• “Take care that your spirits are not sharpened against those who vote on the other side.”
  Wesley understood the strong emotions stirred by elections. His third rule reminds us not to let political differences damage relationships or harden our hearts. We must remember that our unity in Christ transcends any political divide. If ever there was a time to put this rule into practice, it's now in our charged, social media-driven world. Wesley's rule is an important reminder to take to heart.
  
  

Three rules written 250 years ago emphasize the importance of how we vote, not just the act of voting itself. I believe they still challenge us today to uphold Christian values of kindness, respect and humility – even amid heated political discourse.

As we prepare to cast our votes, let us also heed the call of 1 Timothy 2:1-2, which urges us to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Let us pray for wisdom for all candidates, for healing in our country, and for God’s will to be done.

“On earth as it is in heaven.” Amen!