Judging Rightly and Supporting Leadership in Faith

 Today we come together to reflect on a challenging and sensitive topic that has stirred much discussion in our world: the comparison of political leaders, specifically the comparison of Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. This is not an easy subject, for it touches on history, faith, and our responsibility as Christians to discern truth and act in love. Yet, with the guidance of Scripture and the grace of God, let us explore this together, seeking wisdom and understanding.

The Word of God 

Let us begin by turning to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verses 1 through 5, where our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

These words are a powerful reminder of our call to humility and fairness. Jesus warns us against rushing to judgment, urging us to examine ourselves before we critique others. As we consider the comparison of

Donald Trump to Hitler, this passage invites us to pause and reflect: How do we judge our leaders? And how does our judgment align with the mercy and justice of God?

The Weight of Comparison

In our modern age, it has become common to draw parallels between political figures and historical tyrants like Adolf Hitler. Such comparisons are often born out of frustration or fear, but they carry a profound weight. Hitler’s regime orchestrated the Holocaust, claiming the lives of six million Jews, and plunged the world into a war that killed millions more. His actions represent an evil that stands apart in history, a stark reminder of the depths to which humanity can fall when led astray from God’s truth.

To compare Donald Trump—or indeed any contemporary leader—to Hitler is to invoke this dark legacy. Yet, as Christians, we must ask: Does such a comparison hold up under the light of truth? And how does it shape our witness to a world in need of hope?

Judging Leadership with Discernment

Scripture calls us to evaluate those in authority, for leadership is a sacred responsibility. But it also cautions us to do so with care, recognizing that no one is without sin. Consider King David, a man chosen by God to lead Israel. David was far from perfect—he committed adultery and orchestrated a murder—yet God called him “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22) because of his repentance and his desire to serve God’s people. Leadership, then, is not about flawlessness but about the fruits it bears.

Donald Trump’s time as a leader offers us much to consider. His presidency championed causes that resonate deeply with many Christians. He defended religious freedom, ensuring that people of faith could live out their beliefs without fear of persecution. He appointed judges who upheld the sanctity of life, reflecting our conviction that every person is made in the image of God. And through efforts like the Abraham Accords, he pursued peace in the Middle East, a region tied to our biblical heritage. These actions are not without controversy, but they reflect values that align with our faith—values worth acknowledging.

Yet, we cannot ignore the criticisms. Trump’s words have often been sharp, his style divisive. Some point to his rhetoric as a reason for concern, even drawing parallels to the bombast of past dictators. But let us be clear: while words can wound, they do not equate to the deeds of Hitler. Trump has not waged wars of conquest nor engineered atrocities. To liken his leadership to Hitler’s is to stretch a comparison beyond reason, diminishing the unique horror of the Nazi regime and muddying our ability to discern wisely.

Why Support Mr. Trump?

So why, then, should we support Donald Trump? The answer lies not in blind allegiance but in a careful weighing of his record against the principles we hold dear. As Christians, we are called to support leaders who advance the common good, protect the vulnerable, and honor God’s design for humanity. Trump’s policies, in many ways, have done this—promoting freedom, defending life, and fostering peace. These are not small things, and they speak to a leadership that, while imperfect, has borne fruit we can affirm.

Moreover, our faith teaches us to look beyond the surface. Where others see only flaws, we are called to see potential for redemption. Trump, like all of us, is a sinner in need of grace. Rather than condemning him with exaggerated comparisons, we can pray for him, support what is good in his leadership, and trust that God can work through imperfect vessels to accomplish His will.

A Call to Unity and Love

Finally, let us heed the warning of Matthew 7. When we judge harshly—when we equate a man’s flaws with the worst evils of history—we risk falling into the very hypocrisy Jesus condemns. Worse, we deepen the divisions that plague our world. St. Paul urges us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” In a time of polarization, we must reject inflammatory rhetoric and embrace dialogue rooted in truth and love.

Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to consider supporting Donald Trump—not because he is beyond critique, but because his actions have often aligned with the values of our faith. At the same time, let us pray for all our leaders, that they may govern with wisdom and righteousness. And above all, let us be peacemakers, reflecting the light of Christ in a world desperate for hope.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

DMMc 6/17/25