Can I Love God If I Hate You — Because You Didn’t Vote Like Me?

Someone once told me to avoid conversations about religion, politics, and relationships. I get it—those topics can stir up emotions and divide even the closest of friends or family. But let’s be honest: sometimes they’re unavoidable. Especially when people try to use faith as a weapon.

Recently, someone confided in me that they were being harshly judged by a family member—a Christian—because of how they voted. This family member, who claims to be a Prophetess of the Lord’s House, was condemning them using Bible verses and spiritual rhetoric to justify their disapproval. 

When her child came out as same-gender loving, the family embraced her niece with open arms and love. There was no judgment—only support, compassion, and grace. 

But here's the kicker: the behavior of this so-called prophetess was so mean-spirited, controlling, and unkind that it made me question how she could even claim the name of Christ.

It’s just one vote. How is that love? How is that a witness?

We’re living in a time when people are being told that they must think, vote, and believe a certain way—or else. We speak loudly about inclusion, but often only when it serves our personal causes. And when it comes to Christianity, I have to ask: Are we truly walking in the love of Christ, or just waving the flag of faith when it’s convenient?

Because here’s the truth: You cannot love God and hate your brother or sister—even if they didn’t vote like you, live like you, or believe everything you believe. 1 John 4:20 lays it out plainly:

“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates a brother or sister, he is a liar. For the one who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

 

Ouch, right? That one stings a little. But it’s real.

If you’re not free to be yourself…
Free to vote your conscience…
Free to live according to your convictions…
Are you truly free?

Some of us aren’t bound by government or law—we’re enslaved by the expectations of family members who refuse to let us grow, think, or choose for ourselves. That’s not freedom. That’s control dressed up as concern.

Yes, we should function as a community—but not one rooted in fear or hate. True community thrives on education, empathy, and collective wisdom. When we prioritize what’s best for everyone, not just a select few, that’s when we create real, lasting impact.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we only show love to those who agree with us. It means we choose grace, compassion, and humility—especially when we disagree. We’re not called to be spiritual bullies, we’re called to be light.

We love to say “God is love,” but sometimes we forget that love includes patience, kindness, and not insisting on our own way (1 Corinthians 13). So when we only pray when it benefits us, only advocate when it fits our agenda, or only love when it’s easy—are we really reflecting Christ? Or are we just playing church?

Let’s check our hearts. Let’s be people who speak the truth, yes—but do it in love. Let’s be people who don’t let our faith become a weapon, but a witness.

Because the world is watching. And so is God.