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U.S. NEWS

On Trial

Former President Trump’s trial started on Monday in New York. This is the first criminal trial of a former president.

The side accusing Trump says he had a romantic relationship with a woman named Stormy Daniels in 2006. When Trump ran for president in 2016, his lawyer paid Ms. Daniels to keep quiet about the relationship. They say those payments were illegal.

Former President Trump says none of that is true. He says he never had a relationship with Ms. Daniels and didn’t make any illegal payments. 

Last week, a jury was selected for the trial. Republicans say it’s impossible for Trump to have a fair trial by jury in Manhattan, where almost 90% of voters are Democrats. 

The trial is expected to last six weeks. Once it’s over, the jury will decide whether or not Trump committed a crime.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Christians should always root for justice and fairness, whether it's a world-famous celebrity or a random person on trial. Our job is to try to please Jesus, who will judge everyone fairly and win in the end. 

“We make it our aim to be pleasing to him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people.” 
2 Corinthians 5:9-11 (CSB)

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
Public figures can seem like larger-than-life symbols, but they’re also people loved by God, whom we are called to love.

Former President Trump, the judge, the prosecutor, Ms. Daniels, the lawyers, the jurists… because we have distance from them personally, it’s easy to justify hatred or bitterness when they make decisions we don’t like. 

If we feel satisfaction when our political opponents face trouble, we’re falling short of Christ’s command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-45). He died for his enemies — that’s you and me! — and calls us to imitate his abundant grace (Romans 5:8). As we imitate our Lord’s compassion, even in the way we talk about people we see on TV, our kids will imitate us.

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
This trial is an opportunity for us to model a healthy indifference to even the most intriguing news stories. 

Multiple news outlets are calling this the “Trial of the Century.” There are breathless descriptions of the goings-on and nonstop coverage — which is all understandable, given the historic nature of the trial. 

We don’t need to follow every detail of the trial. By caring less about a trial like this, we can help our children focus more on the most important things in life, namely, living as faithful disciples of Christ.

• Make a list of your family’s top 10 priorities. What makes the cut, and what doesn’t? Is there anything you’re giving outsized thought and attention to? 

• Memorize Colossians 3:2-4 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

• Pray for public figures – especially your political opponents – to turn to Christ as King. Closer to home, pray for guidance so that your family’s daily activities match your mission.

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What We’re Using
This family activity from Trueface*

Anyone have family members whose love language is words of affirmation? (*raises hand*) When you want to move deeper than “You look nice today,” Trueface has you covered.

Trueface is a 29-year-old ministry committed to helping families remove the masks we create and grow in relational trust with God and one another. Their free Affirmation in Your Family activity has been created for parents, grandparents, and children who want to build a family that trusts each other's love.

Download Trueface’s free family activity to be creative and intentional about expressing love for one another.

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