Wisdom in Difficult Conversations: Political Conversations Meet Spiritual Conversations

Difficult Conversations and Wisdom

Proverbs 13:10 reminds us, "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Wisdom, gained through education and experience, guides us in handling challenging dialogues.

"Wisdom is communicated with the focus on teaching, exhortation, and evaluation of conduct. Besides experience and God's revelation which convey wisdom, teaching and education are the other major means for acquiring wisdom (Prov 13:20; 19:20; 23:19; Job 33:33; Wis 6:10; Sir 6:18; 39:1)." [1]

In Matthew 22:17-22, Jesus addresses a contentious issue: paying taxes to Caesar. He wisely responds, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." 

Watching Jesus handle this controversial question can teach us how to handle political controversy. We can also use political conversations to help people engage with God.

Jesus discerned their motives, evil intent, and hypocrisy. We, too, can listen for heart issues underneath controversial questions.

Jesus responded by asking them a question. You can ask questions such as, why do you think people get so emotional over politics? Why is this issue so important to you? What do you think God feels about all this? Then, listen deeply and take a genuine interest in that person.

Jesus refused to get caught in the either/or. After he addressed paying taxes to Rome, he took the conversation to God himself. The issue is not about "Caesar," but about God. We, too, can turn a conversation from whatever controversial topic to what matters even more. For instance, you can say that no matter who gets elected, my confidence is not in political leaders but in God.

Handling Political Controversy and Spiritual Conversations: Watching Jesus navigate this politically charged question offers lessons for engaging in today's political discourse. By focusing on deeper spiritual truths, like giving to God what is rightfully His, we can transcend divisive debates.

May we, like Jesus, turn difficult conversations into opportunities for meaningful spiritual conversations, navigating political controversies with wisdom and grace.

[1] Schnabel, E. J. “Wisdom.” Ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid. Dictionary of Paul and his letters 1993 : 967–968. Print.