For many, the association between certain an American political party and Conservative Evangelical Christianity is synonymous.

Why is that the case? Is that the mischaracterization by outsiders? Or an unfortunate accurate matching?

Whatever the case may be, we must consider the full ramifications of our political persuasion as Christians in America. How we vote directly affects us, for sure. However, do we pause to consider how our vote affects our neighbor, especially our neighbor that does not look like us, live like us, or hold the same values as us? Just because we are different doesn’t mean Jesus’ mandate to love our neighbor as ourselves is lessened.

“What would it look like if we worked for the benefit and flourishing of immigrants, whether or not they see the world as we do or agree with us in any way? What would it look like if we to stopped forming political tribes of Christianity and involved ourselves in politics solely to advance justice and affirm dignity,” said Gena Thomas on the CBF Podcast Conversation.

Thomas is a former missionary in Mexico, authoring several books, including Separated by the Border and A Smoldering Wick. She is also an advocate for the rights of immigrants and sustainable missions.

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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the Associate Executive Coordinator of CBF North Carolina. He’s also served as CBF’s Church Start Specialist, the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton, and the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Follow on Twitter @haleandy.