Recently, I’ve received hate-filled emails from people who identify as Christ-followers, fuming at me for not sharing their animosity toward President Donald Trump. Here is one of the more recent examples:
“Bob, I don’t know if you’ve yet realized that you helped America elect a wicked man, but you should own this and heartily repent… Christians should do better than this, Bob. ‘The other guys were worse’ isn’t sufficient. Yes, they were bad. But they would have been kept in check by the Supreme Court and the Senate. Please let your followers know that you were repeatedly asked to reconsider and were stubborn and proud… They have used naïve Christians to overthrow us. Please work hard to wake up the church.”
I was puzzled why in recent days I had received these angry, anti-Trump emails. “What brought that on? I haven’t written anything about Donald Trump for over a year.” Then I realized the angry messages were likely in response to an article I had written lamenting the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Since the popular founder of Turning Point USA had openly supported the President, Trump-haters were angry at me for my positive comments about Kirk.
I’ve always been clear in this column about my concerns regarding President Trump’s past and present sins. That’s also why I’ve consistently warned Christians against idolizing political leaders or parties. I’m neither a Trump groupie nor a Trump hater.
We’re called to live as ambassadors of a higher Kingdom while exercising wise civic responsibility. When leaders uphold biblical principles—protecting life, defending religious liberty, or pursuing peace in war-torn nations—Christians should be gracious and rejoice. Considering the numerous pro-Christian policies implemented by the Trump administration in the past 10 months, history may conclude that President Trump was one of the most pro-Christian presidents of our time. He’s far from perfect, yet so were his predecessors. God has and will continue to use imperfect people, like Samson, David, and Solomon, to accomplish His will.
While I understand why many believers are offended by Donald Trump, I don’t understand how professing Christians justify hatred or contempt for him. Scripture is clear—followers of Jesus cannot justify hatred toward anyone. The apostle John warned, “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” (1 John 3:15)
Jesus commanded, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43–44)
Despite those clear instructions, some Christians are so consumed with contempt for political leaders that they lose all objectivity. They can’t admit when something good is done because their bitterness blinds them. Even if it damages the country, they would rather see the person fail so they can be proven right.
I also don’t understand Christians who have made hatred of another person a yardstick of faith—”if you won’t hate with me, you’re not with Christ.” That doesn’t defend the gospel; it replaces it with a loyalty test. That kind of spirit is not of Christ.
For instance, a few years ago, Ronnie Winter, an entertainer who professes Christianity, posted a video saying, “If you voted for Donald Trump, do not come to my shows—forever, not just like these four years.” As a follower of Christ, he should know it’s unbiblical to cut off fellowship with other believers over political differences. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)
That kind of bitterness doesn’t just alienate others—it eventually corrodes our own spirit. There’s an old saying: “You become what you hate.
I also don’t understand Christ-followers who listen to just one source of news. Solomon gave wise advice: “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” (Proverbs 18:17) He warned against making hasty judgments before hearing all sides. Today, many Christians form opinions by listening to only one news source—whether that’s conservative or liberal—and then vilify anyone who disagrees.
Scripture calls us to think carefully, test everything according to the Word of God, and speak the truth in love.
If your preferred news outlet has repeatedly been proven unreliable, or continually uses sensationalism, hyperbole, and logical fallacies to communicate its points, wisdom suggests listening to alternative voices rather than continually being misled.
The apostle Peter wrote, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” (1 Peter 2:1) Hatred and slander have no place in the heart of those who follow Christ. The Bible instructs believers to respect public officials (Romans 13:1) and to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2). The only time we’re to disobey government is when it directly contradicts a command of God (Acts 5:29).
If you are a Christ-follower, be careful not to become a political loyalist. And for your own spiritual health, don’t let the root of bitterness take hold and separate you from other believers—or from God.
Most importantly, place your ultimate hope in Jesus, not in a political party. Maybe your frustration with the current political climate has more to do with misplaced trust than righteous conviction. Our salvation is not found in any political figure or movement. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Our hope and our future are found only in Jesus Christ.
Bob Russell is Retired Senior Minister at the Southeast Christion Church in Louisville, Ky.