Voting with Love

Over the past three months, I have reflected on the role of civic engagement in the life of faith-based health and human service organizations, the importance of advocacy as an extension of ministry, and the theological conviction that every person is created in the image of God.

As Election Day approaches, the question before us is a practical one:

How do we put those beliefs into action?

For me, the answer can be found in a simple phrase that has guided the United Church of Christ’s “Our Faith, Our Vote” election engagement efforts this year: Vote with love.

At first glance, that phrase may seem overly simple for a political environment that often feels anything but loving. We are living through a season marked by polarization, anxiety, and deep disagreement. Too often, public discourse encourages us to view those who see the world differently not as neighbors, but as opponents.

Yet Christians are called to a different way.

When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, he offered a response that remains both challenging and enduring: love God and love your neighbor. That commandment does not disappear during election season. If anything, it becomes even more important.

Voting with love does not mean avoiding difficult issues. It does not mean abandoning deeply held convictions. Nor does it require agreeing on every policy question or political priority.

Rather, voting with love means allowing our faith to shape not only what we believe, but how we engage.

It means remembering that public policy affects real people. Behind every debate about housing, healthcare, disability services, immigration, aging services, mental health, poverty, or economic opportunity are individuals and families whose lives will be impacted by the decisions our communities make.

Voting with love means asking not only what benefits us personally, but what advances the common good. It means considering how proposed policies affect those who are most vulnerable. It means remembering that every person, regardless of circumstance or identity, bears the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity.

For those of us in the CHHSM network, these questions are more than theoretical. Our organizations bear witness to both the challenges and the possibilities that exist within our communities. We see the difference affordable housing makes for a family seeking stability. We see the life-changing impact of accessible healthcare and behavioral health services. We see the importance of programs that support older adults, children, people living with disabilities, and those facing economic hardship. And we are acutely aware that these ministries depend on public investments, policy decisions, and community commitments that reflect shared values and priorities.

This election season, I encourage each of us to approach voting as an act of faithful discernment. Learn about the issues. Listen carefully. Pray deeply. Reflect on how your faith informs your understanding of justice, compassion, and human dignity. Consider not only the future you desire for yourself, but the future you hope to create for your neighbors and your community.

Most importantly, remember that our responsibility as people of faith does not end when the ballots are counted.

The call to serve remains. The call to advocate remains. The call to seek justice, build community, and care for our neighbors remains.

So, talk with your family, friends, colleagues, and fellow congregants about the issues that matter to the people and communities we serve. Encourage others to participate in the democratic process. Support efforts that expand access to voting and civic engagement. Lift up the stories of those whose voices are too often unheard. And continue advocating for policies and programs that affirm human dignity and strengthen the health and well-being of our communities.

The future of our nation will be shaped not only by those elected to office, but also by citizens who choose to remain engaged, informed, and committed to the common good.

As leaders in faith-based health and human services, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to help shape that future. The people we serve every day are counting on it.

So, as we enter this election season, let us do so grounded in faith, guided by love, and inspired by a vision of a world where every person is valued, every voice is heard, and every community has the opportunity to flourish.

And once the election is over, let us continue the work of building that world together.

Elections matter, but they are only one part of our broader vocation as followers of Christ. Regardless of outcomes, we will still be called to feed, heal, house, accompany, advocate, and serve.

In many ways, that may be the most hopeful lesson of all.

For we do not place our ultimate trust in political parties, elected officials, or election results: We place our trust in God and in the enduring power of communities committed to love, justice, compassion, and hope.

So as Election Day approaches, I implore you to vote. Vote thoughtfully. Vote prayerfully. Vote faithfully.

And above all, vote with love.