Dear HCMC,
One striking turn of events that has gripped the world this week is the imposition of trade tariffs by the US on the whole world, and especially China. This has escalated into something of a “trade war”, with both sides engaging in tit-for-tat retaliation. A great shadow of uncertainty has been cast over our economic future. Are you concerned about these developments? How can we think and respond Christianly in the face of these uncertainties?
It is easy to view such developments through nationalistic, economic, or ideological lenses. But thinking Christianly calls us to reflect from a different perspective: one grounded in Scripture, and God’s values and virtues of humility, justice, mercy and love for neighbour.
First, the Christian worldview recognises that all people—Americans, Chinese, and everyone else—are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). As Christians, we also belong to the Kingdom of God, which transcends national borders. This means that our concern should not merely be about which side “wins” the trade war, and we should guard against hostility and resentment against either side. Instead, we should be most concerned about how these tensions affect the well-being of people on both sides, including those around us here in Singapore or in our home countries. Let us consider: Who suffers? Who might be left behind? Are certain businesses, or workers, or the poor, disproportionately affected these economic policies?
Second, building on our awareness of those affected, we are called to seek justice, extend mercy, and promote the welfare of society (Micah 6:8; Jeremiah 29:7). With every policy or tariff, real lives are being impacted—factories relocating, jobs lost, inflation rising, families struggling. Thinking Christianly means advocating for policies that promote fairness and resist exploitation. Scripture speaks against dishonest scales and unjust trade practices, and so we should today as well (Amos 8:5-6). In line with this, we should pray continually for our national and global leaders, that their hearts would be right before God, and that they would govern with wisdom, justice, and mercy. At the same time, in our personal spheres of influence, we should also share God’s abundance with those who are in need. Do you know of someone to whom you can provide material, emotional, spiritual support in this season?
Third, as Christians, we offer and live into an alternative vision of the world. Palm Sunday is a timely reminder of the kind of King we worship, and the kind of Kingdom He is building. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds cried out “Hosanna,” expecting deliverance from political and economic oppression. Yet Jesus came to inaugurate a different kind of Kingdom: a Kingdom not characterised by power and competition, but meekness and compassion; a Kingdom not defined by temporal scarcity but eternal abundance, that would not just take care of our current economic needs but, more importantly, our eternal destiny. And He ushered in this kingdom through a radically counter-cultural posture of loving sacrifice.
In this Holy Week, as we journey with Jesus toward the cross, may we reflect on what it means to follow him in an age of global uncertainty. May we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, share His love and compassion with all who are facing hardship, and point everyone (including ourselves!) towards the abundant economy of His eternal kingdom.
Rev Timothy
