Christian Faith and Public Service / Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
For the Life of the World / Yale Center for Faith & CultureShow Notes
From bipartisan cooperation to prayerful gratitude, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins Drew Collins to reflect on joy, wisdom, and love of enemy in a divided nation—offering a vision of public service grounded in the way of Jesus.
“Jesus defied expectations—he welcomed the stranger, he fed the hungry, he loved his enemies.”
Together they discuss the role of faith in public life amid deep division. Reflecting on Jesus’s call to love our enemies and the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “rejoice always,” she describes how Scripture, prayer, and gratitude sustain her work in the U.S. Senate.
From bipartisan collaboration to the challenges of resisting an authoritarian executive branch, Gillibrand speaks candidly about the challenges of embodying gentleness and compassion in politics, consistently seeking spiritual solidarity with colleagues across the aisle. Drawing on Philippians 4, she testifies to the peace of God that transcends understanding, revealing a vision of political life animated by faith, courage, and joy—all in the spirit of hope, humility, and the enduring call to love in public service.
Episode Highlights
* “Faith is the greatest gift you could have. It grounds me; it reminds me why I’m here and what my life is supposed to be about.” * “We can disagree about public policy, but we don’t have to be in disagreement as people.” * “Jesus defied expectations—he welcomed the stranger, he fed the hungry, he loved his enemies.” * “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice… let your gentleness be evident to all.” * “I pray for wisdom every day. Scripture tells us if you ask for it, you will receive it—and boy do I need it.”
About Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten Gillibrand is the U.S. Senator from New York, serving since 2009. A graduate of Dartmouth College and UCLA Law School, she has focused her legislative career on ethics reform, national security, and family policy. Grounded in her Christian faith, she seeks to model bipartisan leadership and compassionate public service. For more information, visit [https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/](https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/).
Helpful Links and Resources
* [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A4-9&version=NRSVUE](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A4-9&version=NRSVUE) * [https://www.redeemer.com/](https://www.redeemer.com/) * [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gospel-in-life/id352660924](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gospel-in-life/id352660924) * [https://www.senate.gov/about/officers-staff/chaplain/barry-black.htm](https://www.senate.gov/about/officers-staff/chaplain/barry-black.htm) * [https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/](https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/)
Faith and Division
* Gillibrand describes America’s current political and social moment as deeply divided, weakened by retreat into ideological corners. * “We’re stronger when we work together—when people love their neighbors and care as if they were their own family.” * Faith offers grounding amid chaos; social media and tribalism breed extremism and hate.
Following Jesus in Public Life
* Faith clarifies her purpose and sustains her in political life. * “It makes everything make sense to me.” * Living “out of step with what’s cool, trendy, or powerful” defines Christian vocation in public office.
Bipartisanship and Common Ground
* Works with Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) on crypto regulation, Ted Cruz (R-TX) on first responder support, and Josh Hawley (R-MO) on stock trading bans. * “If I can restore some healthcare or Meals on Wheels, I’ll go that extra mile to do that good thing.” * Collaboration as moral practice—faith expressed through policy partnership.
Loving Enemies and Welcoming Strangers
* Draws parallels between Jesus’s ministry and bipartisan cooperation. * “He would sooner convert a Roman soldier than go to war with him.” * “If I went to a Democratic rally and said, ‘love your enemy,’ I don’t know how that would go over.”
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