We sometimes forget that first-century Christians lived in a culture of terrible social evils. Among other horrific things, the Roman Empire practiced infanticide. In that setting, the apostles, led by the Holy Spirit, chose their focus. They did not insult the Roman authorities. They did not try to overturn Roman laws and customs. They did not self-righteously point a finger at the worst of the worst.

Instead, John, Peter, Paul and the other apostles chose to live and proclaim the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ. Until we make this focus our own again, we risk losing our nation. We’re losing because too many among us have shelved the basic Gospel message in favor of angry denunciation, disassociated from a redemptive core message. We are at risk of suggesting that certain party politics, rather than Christian conversions, will turn America around. Some have allowed their bitterness to smother their evangelistic zeal. Remember, we are the Good News team, not the bad news guys.

Let’s never forget what it means to live by biblical principles based on the Lord’s greatest commandment. In a word, let us return to loving God and loving our neighbors.

This is Luis Palau.