Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.

Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth: – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (TLB)

I don’t remember a time when people spoke so poorly of those in power in our country. Not just the president, but members of Congress are often subject to much vitriol from not only the public but the news media as well. When I think of some of the attacks against the president and his family, I cannot help but be concerned for the state of affairs in our country. Sure, there have been heated political disagreements since the beginning of human history — but the amount of publicly displayed discourse and threats have never been greater than they are now.

This is not about the merits of President Trump — nor is it about his faults; what I wish to point out [from a biblical perspective] is the need to respect the office and those in power. When President Obama was in power for 8 years, I did not say that he was “not my president” nor did I malign his character in any way. This is despite policies that I did not agree with, including the typical Democratic position on moral issues such as abortion. So, it works both ways. It is easy to say that one should support their president and those in power when we happen to agree with the bulk of their positions and is much harder to do when we don’t. But… it is equally important as Christians to be subject to those in authority as we are admonished to do so in God’s Word, the Bible.

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. -Romans 13:1-5 (NLT)