The male Betta fish doesn’t like to share its tank with other Betta males. In fact, Betta males will fight and nip each other until one of them dies. They’re not team players. They turn on each other. These Siamese fighting fish are known for their aggressiveness, which has been bred into them.

Over the past few decades, many countries have seen an increase in similar nipping and fighting among their citizens. Divisions have occurred, and many countries have become polarized over one or more laws, policies, or even public personalities. While we each may have our own sense of what we feel should be done under certain circumstances, my thought often goes to this response from the Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, when she was asked about her politics: “I have none, in reality, other than to help support a righteous government; to love God supremely, and my neighbor as myself” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 276).

So, how might we support a righteous government, one characterized by morality, justice, and respect for law and order? And how might we support those in government positions in expressing virtue, fairness, and honesty? Prayer for government offices can show a way forward when a country is dealing with division. To me, praying in this way means spiritually understanding what that office stands for, what it represents, and the spiritual qualities necessary to carry out its duties.