The strife regarding Brett Kavanaugh continues to hold America’s attention and promises to dominate the news for some time to come. Christians, like everyone else, are struggling to understand this long and contentious process. Few, if any, judicial nominees have been the subject of such a vicious conflict. How should Christian’s respond to this whole situation? Does the Bible give any principles to guide us through this ordeal?

This article is not intended to address whether or not Kavanaugh’s nomination should be confirmed, but how to think about and respond to the controversy of the situation. The before the Senate has moved away from whether or not Mr. Kavanaugh should be confirmed to whether or not he perpetrated various acts of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault. The accusations against him are serious. Sexual violence is never excusable. God clearly forbids all sexual immorality and sexual violence (Deuteronomy 22:25). Assaults upon any person are evil. No Christian should brush such an accusation aside as unimportant because the accused shares our political leanings. If the events happened as described then Brett Kavanaugh committed a great evil. The statute of limitations has run out so he is not criminally prosecutable, but he and any who have sinned in this matter will be judged by God. God fully knows the truth and will bring every sin into judgment.

It is impossible for anyone to know the full truth of the matter, especially those of us who are getting their information second hand from news reports or online news feeds. Proverbs says, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto Him.” (Proverbs 28:13) In this situation the average person will never properly hear the matter. The Christian needs to speak with care and reserve judgment or rigid opinion about the truth of the accusations.

In all things act charitably and graciously. “Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6) No matter what happens, and how strong your feelings may be on this topic, always speak words that minister grace to others. Never speak words that defame, enrage, slander, embitter or belittle.

Regardless of personal opinions about the issue and the people involve, always speak respectfully of the appointed leaders. Speak respectfully of Brett Kavanaugh and the Senators involved in his hearing. They are the ministers of God appointed for our good and the good of the nation. (Romans 13) We must always treat them with honor and respect, even when we don’t think they deserve it. One way in which the Christian honors his government is through prayer. Pray for Mr. Kavanaugh, Congress and all who are involved in this process. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

In all the turmoil, do not lose sight the importance of the Supreme Court. Whoever sits on the Supreme Court weighs significant matters of law that deeply effect the lives of every American. Whether they be issues of hurman life and marriage or issues of healthcare and international trade, the Supreme Court is entrusted with a huge responsibility. The character of those who sit on that court matters. Righteousness still matters. Integrity in government matters. The principle of Proverbs 14:34 is still true, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”