Galatians 5:15 gives us a serious but simple warning: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” That warning does not only apply to families, churches, or friendships. It also speaks to nations. When political leaders, parties, and citizens spend more time attacking one another than solving problems, the whole country suffers.
Political disagreement is normal. People will not always see things the same way. In a healthy nation, citizens can debate ideas, challenge policies, and hold leaders accountable. But political infighting becomes dangerous when disagreement turns into hatred, name-calling, revenge, lies, and a refusal to work together for the common good.
What Political “Biting and Devouring” Looks Like
In politics, we “bite” when we tear people down just because they belong to another party or hold a different view. We “devour” when we keep feeding division until trust, respect, and unity are eaten away. It shows up in angry speeches, personal attacks, misinformation, public shaming, and leaders who would rather win a fight than help the people.
This kind of fighting does not stay in government buildings. It spreads into homes, workplaces, schools, churches, and neighborhoods. Neighbors stop listening to neighbors. Families avoid certain conversations. People begin to see one another as enemies instead of fellow citizens.
How Infighting Weakens a Nation
Political infighting weakens a nation because it distracts leaders from the real needs of the people. While politicians fight for credit, power, or revenge, families are still worried about jobs, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, and the cost of living. A divided government often moves slowly, makes poor decisions, or does nothing at all.
It also damages trust. When citizens constantly hear leaders accuse, insult, and demonize each other, many people lose faith in the system. They begin to believe that no one is serving the public, only their own side. Once trust is broken, it becomes harder for a nation to come together in times of crisis.
The Nation Pays the Price
When political fighting goes too far, the nation pays the price. Problems grow while leaders argue. Communities become more divided. Good ideas are rejected just because they come from the “wrong” side. Compromise is treated like weakness, and cruelty is mistaken for strength.
A country cannot stay strong if its people are always tearing one another apart. Just like Paul warned, if we keep biting and devouring, we may end up consumed by our own division. A nation can have wealth, resources, and power, but if its people lose the ability to respect, listen, and work together, its foundation begins to crack.
The better way is not silence, and it is not pretending that problems do not exist. The better way is honest debate with respect, strong convictions with humility, and public service that puts people above party. We can disagree without destroying each other. We can challenge wrong without hating people. We can fight for truth without losing love. If we want the nation to heal, we must stop feeding division and start choosing wisdom, patience, justice, and peace.
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026