04/05/2026
There is absolutely no need for us to become arrogant in victory,
nor to become despondent in defeat.
The legislative assembly elections for five Indian states have finally concluded peacefully, and for the people who have been eagerly awaiting the outcome, the results are now being declared today. In this atmosphere—where the entire nation has been waiting with a mix of anticipation, eagerness, and at times, anxiety—the unfolding results are bringing joy to many, while causing distress to others. Amidst these circumstances, I present this devotional reflection before you, hoping it may serve as a source of comfort.
"Who will come to power? What will our future hold?"—these questions have been running through everyone's minds for months. Each political party, relying on opinion polls that favored their prospects, had begun to dream of victory. Now, the announcement of these election results is bringing ecstatic joy to many, while plunging others into unfortunate and adverse situations. By this evening, we will know who the ultimate victors are. Regardless of who wins, it is my prediction that there will inevitably be many who are left feeling disappointed and angry.
Dear children of God who are reading this!
Do not harbor bitterness toward those who—unlike you—did not vote for the winning candidates. In the face of these disappointing election results, you may feel tempted to cast blame upon the opposition parties, third parties, those who voted differently, or even those who chose not to vote at all. Do not engage in arguments, labeling them as unpatriotic, foolish, or solely responsible for every ill plaguing the nation, and do not seek to cultivate animosity or hostility against them.
Unfortunately, in the days following the election, there were countless individuals on Facebook who hit the 'unfriend' button, typed out angry messages, and engaged in heated arguments. Worse still, there were those who posted extremely vile comments, unnecessarily and baselessly casting aspersions upon the families of others. Others, in an attempt to vent their frustration and hatred, resorted to damaging public property or expressing themselves through acts of violence. None of these actions will serve to alleviate your anger or hatred.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that our beloved Jesus was speaking to someone else—and not to you—when He said: "Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; whoever says to his brother, 'Raca' [worthless], shall be in danger of the council; but whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hellfire." Nor should you imagine He was speaking to others when He instructed us: "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
To put these verses into practice, whenever you see your neighbors—people just like you—displaying the symbols of opposing political parties in their front yards, or whenever you encounter those who did not cast their votes for your preferred candidates, or those who campaigned against the party you support—at such moments, remember these words of Jesus and conduct yourselves as true children of God. Children of God, understand this one thing: always remember that your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
Yes, your true warfare is spiritual; it is neither political nor governmental in nature. Come forward to fight and win this kind of war—not through futile arguments, angry words, or physical altercations—but by wielding weapons such as truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. This does not imply that your principles are unimportant or that you cannot take a firm stand; rather, the lesson this scripture teaches you is that a political defeat must never be allowed to poison our minds with bitterness, causing us to forfeit the spiritual victory we possess in Christ.
Therefore, never harbor bitterness toward the victor. Perhaps you did not vote for him. Perhaps you chose not to vote for either candidate. Perhaps you *did* vote for the victor, yet still harbor a sense of resentment within you. Perhaps you even have valid reasons for feeling such resentment. Even so, keep this in mind: harboring negative thoughts about the new ministers will not make them better leaders; nor will it make *you* a better Christian or a better citizen of India.
You are not required to agree with the ministers and legislators, nor are you obligated to support the policies of the ruling party; however, you have a duty to view the *office* held by these ministers and legislators through a biblical lens.
First of all,
Remember that neither the new Chief Minister, nor the other ministers, nor any of the legislative assembly members have come into this position of governance without the almighty will of the Lord of Lords. Romans 13:1 states: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
Does this mean that God is a supporter of every leader and ruler who comes to power? No; rather, it means that God can utilize even wicked rulers to fulfill His own good purposes.
However, by harboring bitterness toward them, you are actually revealing that you have forgotten who truly holds control over all of them. Furthermore, remember that it is our duty to pray for all those in governing authority, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:2).
Pray that the newly elected members of the legislative assembly—who are set to govern for the coming five years—may receive exceptional wisdom, good health, and strength. Pray that God may save their souls. God took a man named Saul—who persecuted Christians—and transformed him into the greatest missionary the world has ever seen. Who knows? God may bring about similar transformations within these very members as well. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He will.” The verse found in Proverbs 21:1 will certainly be fulfilled.
Children of God! Do not harbor bitterness toward God simply because events did not unfold exactly as you had anticipated. At times—especially amidst difficult circumstances—do not become brokenhearted before God, like the prophet Elijah, thinking that He has abandoned you or that He has failed to hear your prayers.
Regardless of who emerges victorious in the elections, God has not forsaken you.
While we remain grateful for the freedoms we have enjoyed here, this is not our eternal home. Any persecution or unrest that may arise in India could potentially serve as a catalyst for a true spiritual revival—one that could result in a great influx of citizens into the Kingdom of Heaven. In Philippians 3:18-20, Paul offers us this encouragement:
“For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now even tell you weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
” As citizens of Heaven living on this earth, our mission is to serve as ambassadors for Christ, pleading with those who have gone astray to be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador does not wish to see problems arise in the place where he serves; yet, like Paul, remember that any turmoil occurring in the country where you currently serve cannot affect the harmony of the eternal homeland to which you truly belong.
In conclusion, I would like to offer one final thought: Do not harbor bitterness toward God simply because of a defeat in an election, nor—out of despair with life—resort to such grave acts as su***de. Your eternal Kingdom is always ready and waiting for you.
Children of God, if you found this post helpful and wish for others to benefit from it as well, I kindly request that you share it with them.
Your loving Pastor,
Gellknight