Knowing Him Daily

28.February.2026

Before we dive in, I want to offer a gentle note. The topic I’m addressing in this post, how we engage with political commentary and the tone of our speech, can stir strong emotions, spark disagreement, and even cause relational tension. My intention is not to argue politics, but to reflect on how we, as believers, can guard our hearts, our words, and our relationships. I believe this is a vital conversation for maintaining unity and love within the body of Christ. Read further or not, please do so only if you believe it will bless your own walk with the Lord.

I also want to share something personal. I have recognized that, as an adult, I was prone to become easily emotionally charged, especially when confronted with strong opinions or perspectives. This is not a judgment on anyone else, it’s simply part of my own journey. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of God’s Word that I am learning to notice this in my heart and respond with discernment rather than reaction. I share this to encourage readers to reflect on how their own emotions may be influenced by the voices they encounter.

Recently I received a forwarded email from someone I care about very much. It contained political commentary, and I anticipated that I would read it casually. Instead, I felt stirred in ways I did not anticipate like agitation, tension, a subtle tightening in my spirit. I had to pause and ask myself why I was responding this way. What was the source of these emotions and what was the Lord trying to teach me?

As I reflected, I realized the issue was not with the person who sent the email, the person who composed the original commentary, nor necessarily with the facts themselves, but with the tone and methodology of the commentary. Phrases such as “classic authoritarian move,” “outrageous exaggerations and lies,” and “unprecedented corruption” do more than convey information. They interpret motives, assign moral judgment, and guide the reader to a predetermined conclusion. Absolute language, emotionally charged descriptors, and assumptions about intent can shape perception before one has fully evaluated the facts. This is not wrong in itself, it is a recognized technique in persuasive writing, but it does require careful discernment, especially for those of us seeking to walk closely with God.

Scripture reminds us how seriously God views the words we speak and allow into our hearts. “You shall not revile a ruler of your people,” Exodus 22:28, NKJV and “to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men,” Titus 3:2, NKJV, instruct us that our speech is never neutral, it either builds up or tears down. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” Proverbs 18:21, NKJV. This is not to say we must ignore wrongdoing or cease discernment. The prophets confronted kings, Nathan confronted David. But there is a difference between sober evaluation and language designed to ridicule, incite fear, or manipulate emotion.

The lesson I drew from this experience is that discernment is not only valid but necessary. It is right to formulate an opinion and evaluate leadership. But our foundation must always be the Lord. We must ask ourselves: What voices are influencing my thinking? Are they presenting facts and allowing space for careful judgment, or are they layering interpretation and emotionally charged framing that pulls me toward reaction rather than prayer? Are they trusted voices aligned with the Truth, or are they filtered through partisan perspective?

Even when encountering material that challenges our convictions, we are called to model restraint and fruitfulness. David refused to harm Saul, the Lord’s anointed, even while fleeing unjust pursuit (1 Samuel 24:10). Daniel served under pagan kings without reviling them, even as he observed injustice. They recognized wrongdoing without allowing bitterness or contempt to take root. This is the path I want to follow in my own life: discernment without reviling, correction without contempt, truth without arrogance.

In an age when political commentary is amplified and emotionally charged on all sides, this discipline becomes increasingly important. Whether the source is a friend, a news outlet, or social media, the tone and framing of the message can subtly shape our hearts and minds. We are called to evaluate all messages through the lens of Scripture and the Spirit, asking whether they promote the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23, NKJV).

It is not wrong to form opinions, to evaluate leadership, or to desire policies that align with biblical values. But it is spiritually dangerous to allow any voice to cultivate contempt or fear within us. Ultimately, our allegiance is to God and His Word, not to any party or platform. And when our words, our thoughts, and our judgments flow from Him, we safeguard both our hearts and the witness we carry in the world.

As we navigate a world filled with noise, may we never forget that we are called to something higher. The voices around us will rise and fall, but the Word of God remains, our anchor, our filter, and our guide.

Wherever you are on this journey, whether you are just becoming aware of what you’ve been allowing in, or you have already learned to pause and let the voice of God rise above the rest, be encouraged. Growth is not always loud. Sometimes it is simply the quiet moment when you choose His voice over the noise.

May we be known not by our opinions, but by our love.

Lord,
Thank You for meeting me right where I am and for not leaving me there. Thank You for the work You have already done in my heart, for teaching me to pause, to filter, and to listen for Your voice above all others.

If there is anything I have allowed in that has stirred division, anger, or fear in my heart, I release it now. Forgive me, Lord, and teach me how to renew my mind regarding this. I choose, in this moment, to let Your peace guard my heart and Your truth guide my words.

I receive Your grace, and I walk forward, rooted in love.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Make today count and see you tomorrow.