Political issues and differences can be challenging in any relationship, but they’re especially challenging for a married couple. No matter how great your political differences may be, those differences should never impact your marriage covenant.

All that passion and anger in politics can seep into our marriages if we aren’t guarding against it. Those feelings can create heated discussions about political issues, which can create serious problems. 

No matter what your political differences may be, those differences should never have an impact on your marriage covenant. So during intense elections and differing beliefs, how can we keep our marriages strong and healthy? How can we get past our political differences and love each other?

 

Here are a few ways to navigate politics and still protect your marriage relationship.

Start With The Bible

What does the Bible say about politics, and how we should act? The Bible never discusses political parties, conventions, or caucuses. Although it never gets into political parties, we know that God appoints the government. In Romans 13:1-7, Paul describes the governing authorities as “ministers of God” and says they are responsible for administering civil justice.

As we approach our government, we are called to align with God’s commands in Scripture, and two things are abundantly clear from God’s Word: prayer and respect.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul says, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Romans 12:10 tells us to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

As we spend time discussing issues in our marriage and applying biblical principles to the issues, we need prayer, respect, love, and room for disagreement.

Embrace Differences In Your Marriage

We need to reject the world’s angry negativity, and instead intentionally treat those who disagree with us with love. And that’s true if the person you disagree with is your spouse!

Remembering that God made us all different is essential. 

We have different genders, races, sizes, and shapes. God has created each of us and given us unique strengths and weaknesses. He has given you and your spouse different passions and inclinations. And that’s a good thing!

In our marriages, differences are good and normal. Just like other differences, political issues allow us to learn from each other. Differing views give us a chance to understand our spouse better and enjoy seeing the world from a slightly different perspective.

Practice Healthy Communication

Communication is the foundation on which we build strong and healthy relationships. In marriage, it’s much more important to listen to each other and respect each other through disagreements, big and small. Take the time to talk (and listen) about things you disagree on. 

Disagreements can be learning opportunities for married couples. The best thing that can happen during a rocky political season is to learn how to work through a difference of opinions. 

Are you able to humbly listen to each other? Or do you tend to demand your partner see things your way?

Agree to Disagree With Your Spouse

This is easier for me to write than for you to do, I know. But it can be done with love to protect your marriage. 

If the topic is just too sensitive to discuss, then stay away from the discussion! 

It may sound strange. We believe that open, honest, and consistent communication is crucial to a strong and happy marriage. But this can be an exception. You don’t have to discuss everything! Disagreement around political issues or candidates shouldn’t wreck your marriage.

Ultimately, the issues during election season are real and impact our cities, country, and day-to-day lives. But as important as political issues and elections can be, they’re nothing compared to the importance of your marriage. 

No politician will cheer you up after you’ve had a bad day. No party, Republican or Democrat, will be there to hold you when you’re sad or scared. They won’t share private jokes with you. And they won’t be there for family meals or picking up your kids from school.

The relationship between politicians and voters is nothing compared to the sacred union of two people in marriage. Candidates make plenty of promises, but they’ll never promise to be with you through better or worse, or to be together “until death do us part.”