Welcome to a special episode of theFormed.life podcast, where hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman revisit one of their most compelling conversations with special guest Tom Nelson. In a time marked by political tension, division, and uncertainty, we dive deep into what it means for followers of Jesus to engage faithfully—and fruitfully—in the public square.

This episode is packed with essential moments from a previous three-part series exploring the radical teachings of Jesus, especially the call to love and pray for our enemies. Together, our hosts and guest unpack the dynamic and diverse perspectives within Jesus’s own circle of disciples, shedding light on how to navigate differences without division. They discuss the power of being “salt and light” in our communities as described in Matthew 5, the importance of cultivating virtue over simply winning arguments, and the need for the Church to model healthy, respectful dialogue in a polarized culture.

You’ll also hear practical wisdom for embracing humility, fostering genuine community, and developing spiritual habits that ground us in God’s love—no matter what the news cycle brings.

Whether politics is your favorite topic or one you try to avoid, this conversation will equip and encourage you to engage with grace, conviction, and hope. Let’s lean in together and discover how our faithfully present lives can bless the world around us, even in turbulent times.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Model Respectful Dialogue:
   This episode challenges the church to set the tone for political conversations—learning from one another, respecting differences, and gaining wisdom without feeling threatened.
2. Embody Faithful Presence: The idea of being “salt and light” means showing up in our communities with genuine humility and influence, but not domination. 
3. Cultivate Personal Virtue: The episode emphasizes that who we become matters more than what we do. Spiritual practices, community, and the intentional pursuit of the fruit of the Spirit can transform our approach to civic engagement.

Full Episodes:

1. Navigating Politics with Biblical Principles: Dual Citizenship & Faithful Presence - Part 1 | POD 031: https://youtu.be/JhtesHcb6ag
2. Navigating Politics: Postures for Public Engagement - Part 2 | POD 032: https://youtu.be/18JjRBO6WBo
3. Practices for Navigating Faith and Politics - Part 3 | POD 033: https://youtu.be/RmpnXFXPwbI

Timestamps:

00:00 Love Your Enemies: Radical Teaching

04:11 "Diversity in Christian Community"

08:27 "Church Unity Amid Differences"

12:42 "Salt, Light, and Incarnation"

15:13 "Humility and Gentleness in Leadership"

18:08 "Who Are We Becoming?"

20:04 "Faith, Virtue, and Growth"

24:49 Spiritual Habits and Life Transitions

26:27 Perfect Love Overcomes Fear

29:46 Captivated by Art's Impact