Loving Our Enemies: A Christian Path through Political Division

Political polarization is tearing through families, congregations, and communities across the country. In a recent lecture from the "Democracy in Tension" summit, Tripp Fuller and theologian Dr. Marvin Wickware offer a profound theological response to this crisis. Their message: Christians must stop pretending they don't have enemies and start learning to love them in a radically honest and spiritually transformative way.

In his lecture, "Beyond Political Enemies: How Faith Can Heal a Fractured Democracy," Dr. Wickware argues that our political divides are not merely partisan — they are deeply rooted in structural enmity, particularly racial and historical injustices. He calls on Christians not to bypass this enmity in the name of civility, but to confront it, understand why we need our enemies, and act like it.

Wickware challenges a surface-level interpretation of Jesus's command to "love your enemies." Too often, Christians respond with, "I don't have any enemies," or "I love everyone."

But Wickware insists that enmity is not just personal — it's structural. Systems of racism, inequality, and exclusion position us in opposition to others, even if we harbor no ill will toward them. You can be structurally at odds with someone you love, simply because of how society organizes power, privilege, and identity. We've been discussing some of these systems of power and privilege in our anti-racism forums. Can you name someone you love who you are structurally at odds with?

Rather than lean into self-sacrificing versions of love that expect endless patience from the oppressed, Wickware encourages Christians to embrace Audre Lorde's need-based concept of "eros" —a loving power that affirms the self while reaching out to others. He suggests we must learn to embrace our fundamental need for our enemies. We are not whole without the transformation of our enemies. True love, in this view, doesn’t avoid conflict — it engages it with honesty, vision, and hope.

His guiding challenge to Christians:

"Figure out who your enemies are, why you need them, and what it means to act like it."

So what does this look like for Christians who struggle politically with family members — especially those who support ideologies or policies we see as deeply harmful? Here are some practical ways to engage in conversation with honesty and grace:

1. Set boundaries without cutting off hope

• Say things like: "I love you, but I can’t pretend this issue doesn’t matter — it affects real lives."

• Or: "I can’t share a meal in peace while injustice goes unspoken."

• Love here looks like drawing lines for the sake of truth.

2. Speak clearly — even when it costs something

• Use social media, prayers, and small groups to name the harms of white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and political violence — not to be partisan, but to be faithful.

• Support members in naming painful family dynamics in spiritual community.

3. Keep inviting transformation — without expecting comfort

• Share personal stories or media that might plant seeds, even if initially rejected.

• Say: "Here’s why this policy breaks my heart as a Christian."

4. Organize together — even if family won’t

• Work with others in your congregation toward justice and compassion.

• Let your family see your faith in action.

5. Pray for them — and for the courage to stay open

• Don’t confuse passivity with grace. But do let your love include intercession.

As for me? I'm going to especially work on the idea of planting seeds. As someone who has been guilty of initially being dismissive of something, only to be curious enough to do more research on it later, I know these mustard seeds can be very powerful. Maybe someone will come to the truth through their attempt to prove you wrong. Plant the seed and let the Holy Spirit do His thing!

A Closing Prayer:

God, give us the courage to speak truth with love, even when it fractures the shallow peace in our families. Teach us how to love our enemies—not with silence, but with a call to justice and mutual transformation. May we trust that Your resurrection power is strong enough to heal what politics has torn apart. Amen.

Join the conversation! If you're interested in reading more, follow "Process This" with Tripp Fuller on Substack. Or register for the "Democracy in Tension" summit (pay what you can), featuring lectures on this topic from renowned Christian scholars and philosophers.

Tripp Fuller is a theologian, minister, and podcaster. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy, Religion, and Theology at Claremont Graduate University. He is currently a visiting professor of Theology at Luther Theological Seminary and has run the Homebrewed Christianity Podcast for 17 years.