On July 4, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This sweeping piece of legislation has been met with celebration and quite a bit of concern. Like most political issues, people fall into three categories. There are those who are cheering, those who are worrying, and those who are simply tuning it all out. Supporters are excited about the locked-in tax cuts and tougher immigration measures. Critics, however, are raising serious red flags, especially about what this could mean for the national debt, healthcare access, and vulnerable families.
Time will tell how this bill will affect the everyday lives of Americans. However, as followers of Jesus, we’re called to ask a deeper question. While it is natural to process this through the eyes of a consumer and even a voter, how do you process this as a Christian? Your response to that question becomes the starting point of how you should consider this bill and probably everything related to politics.
What’s in the Bill and Why it Matters
Let’s start with a quick look at some provisions of this new law. Some sound promising, like an increase in the Child Tax Credit, making permanent the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, incentives to boost U.S.-based manufacturing, and even $1,000 “Trump accounts” set up for every newborn. For some middle-income families, this may mean noticeable financial relief.
Yet, there are some genuine issues people have with this bill. There are significant cuts to federal funding for programs like Medicaid and SNAP, placing more financial responsibility on state governments. What this means is some states may not have the infrastructure or financial ability to fill in those gaps. As a result, financially vulnerable, at-risk families may be pushed over the edge or fall through the cracks entirely.
With immigration, the bill ramps up border enforcement and tightens asylum procedures. Some praise it as a necessary reform. Others say it shows a lack of compassion. This is where believers must ask hard questions. For example, is our focus on solving the immigration issue genuine, or is it a convenient distraction from confronting deeper problems within our national identity? These questions don’t come with simple answers, but we must not shrink back from asking them.
How Should Christians Think about Policy?
It’s perfectly natural to view a new policy through a personal lens. If you are wondering how this bill will affect your taxes, your healthcare, or your family, that is okay. However, you can’t stop there. Our faith challenges you to look beyond yourself and consider how this bill affects those around you as well, like your neighbors and even the poor and vulnerable.
While I can’t tell you how to feel about this new law, I can offer four biblical questions that you should ask about this bill and any other policy our government rolls out.
4 Biblical Questions to Ask about the Big Beautiful Bill
1. Does this law reflect God’s heart for justice and protect the vulnerable?
Our God is a God who sees and hears the cries of the forgotten and rejected. He is a God who embraces those often overlooked. If a law overlooks these people, then we should ask if it truly reflects the heart of God.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:35-36;40
2. Am I viewing this issue through a Biblical lens or political allegiance?
Echoing your favorite party line or news outlet is the easy road. However, following Jesus requires us to filter everything through Scripture first and not just toe the party line.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2
3. Does this policy promote integrity and wise stewardship in leadership and resources?
Justice and integrity are not optional qualities in our leaders. They are essential. Any policy that rewards the rich while punishing the poor points to a deeper issue within the hearts of our leaders.
"Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent." - Deuteronomy 16:19
4. Will I reflect Christ in my response even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient?
Regardless of your natural feelings about any policy, your response to it should always reflect the grace and truth of Jesus.
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20
How can Christians think biblically about political power and national priorities without placing their trust in any one leader?
I must speak blatantly and honestly for a moment. Believing that political power is the primary way to bring about a moral change in our world is a dangerous place to be. As Christians, our allegiance is not to a party or personality but to Christ alone.
Most politicians, regardless of party, prioritize their platform and political survival over biblical principles. I like to say they are more interested in keeping their job than doing their job. That’s not a judgment, but an unfortunate reality. That’s why it’s critical to keep the proper perspective and here are three important truths to remember.
-God establishes government - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. - Romans 13:1
-God holds governments accountable - For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. - Psalm 22:28
-Our hope doesn’t come from the government but from God.
"Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. nBlessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God." - Psalm 146:3-5
The only way to keep government and political power in the proper light is to view it from the correct lens. Any other way can lead you to lift political authority to a level God never intended.
The hour we live in calls for greater discernment, which is challenging because we face greater distractions. It also requires us not to be confused about our primary identity as followers of Christ. Remember, we are not called to be American Christians; we are Christians who live in America. This identity in Christ should always supersede everything else, especially our politics. When it doesn’t, then Christ can easily get moved off the throne of our hearts.
Addressing politics and living for Jesus is difficult because it forces you to determine who will take the lead in your life. Sometimes that means you must stand in the minority because that is where the truth lies. When we can do that regardless of who is in the office, only then will we be able to have the type of influence that can shape the conscience and morality of our society.
A Prayer to Anchor Our Trust in God
Lord,
In a world full of shifting policies, loud opinions, and uncertain outcomes, help me anchor my heart and trust in you. Teach me to see beyond the headlines and to consider the hearts and lives of those affected by any political policy.
Give me discernment to evaluate laws not just by economic or personal benefit, but by how they reflect your heart for people. Shape my convictions by your word and your truth, and give me a gentle heart that conveys them with confidence but also love. Remind me that the hope for our nation will never come from the halls of Congress or the White House but from the throne of grace. It is there we will find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.
I thank you and pray all these things in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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