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It is no secret that America is in political turmoil right now. Violence is breaking out across our nation, and everyone has an opinion on whose fault it is. Voices on all sides of the political spectrum are shouting louder and louder, trying to make their point. In the middle of this chaos, our children and teens are picking up on more than we realize. How can we help them understand what is happening around them? More importantly, how can we teach them a Christian approach to handling the chaos found in the news and on the streets? What does the world need from believers in moments like these?

I think our first approach is to help our children process their feelings. Let them know that if they hear a news story that makes them sad, angry, or scared, it is okay. Hurting over the wrong things in the world is a sign of a heart that loves God and longs for his kingdom to come here on earth. In fact, the Bible is full of people asking God when his promises will come true. God encourages us to bring our sadness and questions to Him. Let your children know that if they feel sad or angry after hearing stories of violence or heartbreak, they should take their feelings straight to God! He has a plan and He alone has the answers.

We also need to teach our children to see people as God sees them. This is not easy! It must become a discipline, a habit of love. Be careful not to dehumanize people in the news stories. Instead of labeling people as “good” or “bad,” teach children that God created everyone. He sees their pain, he loves them all despite their choices, and He is in the situation even after people stop talking about it. Teaching children to love people as God does trains them to be compassionate. Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

As adults, it is so easy to get caught up in the political issues of the day, to take sides. For the sake of our children and teenagers, but also for the sake of the gospel, I think we need to take a step back. Let’s evaluate what our children, and the world, needs from Christians during these hard times.  See people as God sees them. Take time to pray for everyone involved. Share the truth of the gospel as a solution to the evil in our world. I suspect that would do so much more good in the long run than insisting “our” side is right. Just something to think about today…would you rather be known for your political stance or for your love for Jesus?

*If you are a parent or grandparent looking for ways to help your children understand the news, I highly recommend a weekly email called Decaf:  the pour over for families. It comes once a week and presents one big news topic at about a 7th grade reading level. It provides suggestions for Christian parents to use in discussing news with their children. You can check them out at:  www.thepourover.org/decaf/