By Javar Juarez OP| ED
An Open Letter to the Faithful in Christ
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:15-16
At Madison Square Garden, the rally held by Donald Trump was not just a political spectacle but a glimpse into the deeper moral decay taking root in our nation. The rhetoric that dominated the event—marked by hatred, racism, and division—exposes a movement that claims to be righteous but bears corrupt fruit. As followers of Christ, we are called to discern the intentions of those who present themselves as leaders. It is by their actions, not their claims, that we will know if they truly serve the will of God.
Words of Division, Not Reconciliation
The night was supposed to be Trump’s final argument against Kamala Harris, but instead, it spiraled into chaos with speeches that sowed hatred. The evening opened with vulgarity from a comedian, Tony Hinchcliffe, who mocked Puerto Rico as “a floating island of hot garbage” and insulted Black, Latino, and Jewish communities. This event served not as a call for national unity, but as a platform for divisiveness and hatred—a far cry from Christ’s commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself (Mark 12:31).
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45). The rhetoric heard at this rally is the manifestation of a movement that has hardened its heart against compassion and justice. We are called to recognize that the spirit behind such words is not of God but of selfish ambition and pride.
A Dangerous Idolatry of Power
Throughout the rally, the glorification of power, wealth, and dominance took center stage. Trump and his speakers did not offer words of humility or service but instead boasted of achievements, mocked opponents, and vilified immigrants. One speaker even referred to Kamala Harris as the “anti-Christ,” while others used dehumanizing language to describe those seeking refuge in the United States.
This display of contempt for the least among us stands in direct contradiction to the teachings of Christ, who said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Turning away the stranger, criminalizing the vulnerable, and stoking fear of the foreigner reveals a spirit of nationalism that has become an idol, supplanting the love of Christ with allegiance to political power.
The Fruits of Deception
Jesus warned that false prophets will try to lead people astray, presenting themselves as righteous but bringing forth only corruption (Matthew 7:18). The promises made at this rally—whether about eliminating Social Security taxes or invoking outdated laws to expel immigrants—are not rooted in truth or love. In fact, experts have already debunked many of these claims. Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, contribute billions to our economy, helping sustain essential programs like Social Security. Cutting them off would not only be unjust but would also harm the very nation Trump claims to protect.
As Scripture teaches, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). We must be vigilant against those who use fear to manipulate and divide. The rhetoric heard at this rally reflects a spirit of destruction, not one of life and restoration.
A Call to Christian Responsibility
Trump has attempted to cloak himself in the language of faith, urging Christians to support him as a defender of religious freedom. But as Christ warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The will of God is not accomplished through hate-filled rallies or exclusionary policies. It is fulfilled through acts of love, justice, and mercy.
This is not a battle between left and right—it is a spiritual battle between truth and deception, between love and hatred. We must resist the temptation to follow false prophets who promise safety at the cost of our Christian witness. It is not enough to claim faith; our actions must align with the teachings of Christ.
Stand for Truth and Justice
The Bible teaches that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34). As believers, both Black and white, we are called to stand against leaders who sow division and bear bad fruit. Supporting those who cultivate hatred and fear is a betrayal of the Gospel message. We are reminded in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead. It is not enough to profess belief; we must act with love, compassion, and justice.
Trump’s rally is a warning to us all: we must not be deceived by words that sound appealing but serve to glorify pride and division. Instead, we must seek leaders who embody the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Leaders who prioritize the well-being of others over their own power reflect the heart of Christ.
A Time to Choose
This election season is a defining moment for our nation. As Christians, we must ask ourselves: Are we following leaders who reflect the values of the Kingdom of God, or are we being led astray by those who promise security through exclusion? Jesus reminds us that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). Supporting leaders who sow discord will only lead to further division and destruction.
Kamala Harris, for all the political disagreement surrounding her, has emphasized the importance of preserving social safety nets like Social Security, understanding that they are vital to the most vulnerable among us. This reflects the biblical principle that we are to care for the poor and protect the marginalized (Proverbs 31:8-9). In contrast, Trump’s policies and rhetoric show a preference for wealth and power over justice and mercy. His actions reveal a tree that does not bear good fruit.
Let Us Walk in the Light
We are reminded in 1 John 1:6-7 that if we claim to have fellowship with Christ but walk in darkness, we are lying to ourselves. A movement rooted in deceit, division, and hatred cannot lead us into the light. It is time for us to walk according to the truth, standing firm in faith, and holding our leaders accountable to the teachings of Christ.
As we approach the coming election, let us seek wisdom from God and ask Him to guide our hearts and minds. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach” (James 1:5). We must pray not just for discernment but for courage—the courage to speak truth to power, to love in the face of hatred, and to build bridges where others seek to erect walls.
The Path Forward
It is not too late for America to repent and turn back to God. We must pray for our leaders, even those with whom we disagree, asking that God would soften their hearts and guide them toward justice. But we must also act. “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). The time has come for the Church to rise up and lead—not through the pursuit of earthly power, but through humble service to God and neighbor.
In the end, we are reminded that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). No matter how dark the times may seem, the truth of God’s love will prevail. Let us fix our eyes on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and press forward in the hope that our nation can still be a beacon of justice, mercy, and love.
May we heed the words of the prophet Micah: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Let us choose leaders who reflect these values, and let us be those people ourselves—agents of peace in a world divided by strife. In doing so, we fulfill the calling of Christ and lay the foundation for a better future, one rooted in love and truth.
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