Election season—it’s a time that often brings out strong opinions, big emotions, and sometimes, if we’re honest, a little bit of anger. This season has a unique way of stirring up wrath in people. We feel passionately about what we believe is right, we’re bombarded by messages about who’s wrong, and it’s easy to get caught in the heat of the moment.

But here’s the question: what’s all this anger really doing to us? And is it helping us live the way God calls us to?

Wrath and the Power of “Being Right”

It’s easy to feel our anger is justified, especially during election season. When people see things differently or challenge our views, we may feel the sting of frustration, hurt, or even betrayal. And it’s tempting to let these feelings fester, especially when we believe we’re “in the right.”

But here’s the truth: wrath often sneaks in under the guise of “righteous anger,” creating a kind of tunnel vision where we can’t see anything but what divides us. This wrath, while powerful, only leaves us feeling drained, disconnected, and more isolated. God didn’t design us to live in a constant state of battle—especially not with each other.

Choosing Peace Over Wrath in Divisive Times

God’s gifts of peace and patience become all the more important in times like these. Imagine if, instead of reacting to every social media post or news headline, we could find a place of calm. Imagine taking a deep breath before responding and realizing that our worth, purpose, and peace aren’t tied to the outcome of any election.

Jesus’s own life provides an incredible example. He walked through a politically charged world, where people were desperate for change and quick to anger. Yet He chose a path of peace, reaching out with compassion and patience. He didn’t ignore injustice, but He addressed it from a place of love, not wrath.

How to Practice Peace and Patience When It’s Hard

1. Pause Before Reacting: Election season bombards us with opinions and debates. Instead of reacting immediately, take a moment to pray or breathe. Ask yourself, “Is this anger serving me or the people around me?”
2. Seek God’s Perspective: It’s natural to feel passionate, but remember that God’s ways are higher than ours. Ask Him for a heart that seeks understanding rather than division. It can shift our perspective from “us vs. them” to seeing each person as loved by God.
3. Pray for Those Who See Things Differently: This isn’t always easy, but it’s powerful. Praying for those with different beliefs brings us into God’s heart and reminds us that love is the ultimate call.
4. Turn Off the Noise: Social media and constant news updates can fuel wrath. Set aside time each day to turn off the noise and focus on what brings true peace—prayer, scripture, and quiet reflection.
5. Focus on What You Can Control: Anger often comes from wanting things to go a certain way. Practicing patience means letting go of what’s beyond our control and trusting God with the rest. Our influence is best used in how we treat others, not in winning arguments.

Finding Freedom from Election Anger

As election season moves on, it’s easy to let anger build, but God calls us to a life that rises above wrath. Imagine how powerful it would be if we approached this season with calm hearts, as examples of God’s peace. Choosing peace and patience doesn’t mean we stop caring—it means we care enough to protect our hearts and relationships.

In this season, let’s lean on God’s gifts of peace and patience. Let’s choose to be known, not for our anger, but for our love, compassion, and trust in a God who holds the future. Wrath may be the easy path, but peace is where we find true strength.