Most people have tired of political conversations, but few actually refrain from them. It seems that if you aren’t speaking about some politically divisive issue, you aren’t speaking. This began long ago but has accelerated in recent years. Despite the way those conversations suck the joy out of the moment, they continue dominating our interactions. Instead of allowing our conversations to be hijacked, maybe we should consider how to leverage those moments for the gospel.

When Donald Trump was inaugurated in 2017, my family and I lived in South America, and even there, the only conversation people wanted to have was about him. That prompted me to write an article I titled, “The Blessing of a Trump Presidency.” The article had nothing to do with his character, politics, or any other aspect. The blessing for me was that a Trump presidency created an automatic conversation with almost any person, one that was initiated by them. Everyone wanted to talk about him. Because of the type of conversation, within three or four sentences I was able to launch into a gospel presentation. That was the blessing: the ability to frequently share the story of redemption. Perhaps that is something we should be more proactive about. Therefore, allow me to share some basic ways I leveraged those conversations for Christ.

Avoidance
First, avoid the polemic discussions. I permitted others to share but rarely responded unless I was taking them to Scripture or God’s truth. This is a good rule in general. However, it is more important with those individuals that you do not know because of their inclination to judge you based on your level of agreement with them. Not only do you avoid creating immediate division over secondary issues, but you preserve an opportunity to share. Likely, if they know you don’t agree with them on the initial discussion, not only are they less inclined to hear your views on those but they are less inclined to listen to you message of the gospel.

Share Truth
Do we avoid sharing truth since it likely will create division? Absolutely not. Instead, we need to be discerning about which aspects of truth we share first, ensuring that we place the major points first, not the minor ones. This is simply good stewardship of the gospel encounter given to us by God.

One of the easiest starting points for sharing truth is Romans 13:1-7, particularly emphasizing God’s ability to govern and His appointment of leaders. Rather than focus specifically on the political aspects, focus on trusting God’s sovereignty. This aspect highlights that even in disagreement God is faithful and therefore, His plan is reliable. This becomes a gateway to the effects of sin and the gospel message.

A secondary entry point is a discussion about truth and discernment. This area was especially relevant and possible down in South America because the information they received was often incomplete and/or skewed. That does not mean those areas are not present here. I simply state this to stipulate that I was able to easily use those gaps of knowledge to move the conversation. However, rather than simply say, “You’re wrong!” I generally used questions to stimulate further thinking. Phrases like ‘Have you considered . . .?” or “Did you know . . .?” are ways to insert biblical truth without sounding antagonistic. The effect is two-fold. First, you teach about the need for discernment, and second, you share God’s truth.

Finally, the discussion of politics is often a lament over the status of society and people. As Christians, we do not find ourselves surprised because that is simply the effects of sin. That is a wonderful transition point of a conversation, taking a discussion about politics and transferring to the role of sin and the need for a Savior.

While polemical discussions may be the character of the majority of conversations, there is no reason for it to remain that way. My inclination has been that if this is going to be the dominant type and topic of our conversations, then we as Christians should adapt to that and learn how to make it redemptive. May these become opportunities in which we are able to point others to God and glorify Him by calling others upon Christ.