Abraham Lincoln quote 'God on our side’ (Reflection & Story)
At church service this week, one of my pastors shared an Abraham Lincoln quote about whether “God is on our side,” and it’s still ruminating in my mind.
My husband mentioned it as we had breakfast this morning, and I’m continuing to ponder its meaning.
Are we seeking to be on God’s side, instead of God being on our side?
Are we seeking to ask God to bless our decisions, instead of seeking to make decisions that align with God's ways?
Are we asking God to bless our plan, instead of of seeking the best way, which is God's plan?
In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln was reportedly asked whether God was on the side of the Union.
It's a heavy question to ask the 16th president of the United States: Is the will of God on your side?
Lincoln was in the midst of the bloodiest war the American people had — or have — ever seen.
“My concern is not whether God is on our side,” Lincoln responded. “My greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”
“My concern is not whether God is in our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”
The faith story behind Lincoln’s quote about ‘God’s side.’
I’m always fascinated when I hear of notable men and women of history express their faith.
Growing up, I had no idea that many of the most prominent leaders I studied in history class were Christian.
When I researched the story behind the quote, I didn’t get very far.
Lincoln himself didn’t write it down, and there seems to be some confusion about who posed the question. I’ve seen references to a clergyman, journalist, and advisor.
Francis B. Carpenter's 1867 book, “Six Months at the White House with Abraham Lincoln,” shares a strikingly similar story, although the exact quote seems to be missing from his tale.
What caught my attention about his rendition, which was originally published a year or so after Lincoln’s assassination, is that it’s a black woman — a former slave — who poses the question, not a man of esteem or political power.
According to Carpenter, a delegation of black leaders from Philadelphia arrived at the White House to acknowledge Lincoln’s efforts in freeing the slaves, and they presented him with a Holy Bible.
The cover was violet, with bands of gold, and carved into it was the word “Emancipation," in recognition of the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order that declared that all enslaved people still in the Confederate states were free.
Three clergymen were present, as were two laymen, who spoke at the occasion.
Lincoln was moved, and he seemed to refocus the conversation not on his efforts but on God’s efforts.
“In regard to the great book, I have only to say, it is the best gift which God has ever given man,” Lincoln said to the delegation.
“All the good from the Saviour of the world is communicated to us through this book,” Lincoln said. “But for that book, we could not know right from wrong.”
After the clergymen had said their piece, Caroline Johnson, a nurse and former slave, was invited to offer her thoughts. She was the last of the delegation to speak.
“Mr. President, I believe God has hewn you out of a rock, for this great and mighty purpose,” she said. “Many have been led away by bribes of gold, of silver, of presents; but you have stood firm, because God was with you, and if you are faithful to the end, he will be with you.”
Lincoln’s eyes reportedly brimmed with tears, and he replied:
“You must not give me the praise — it belongs to God.”
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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story,” which shares Christian testimonies and stories, as well as curated lists about Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign, been inside NASA, and reported on education and schools, Mackenzie now edits the Faith Storytellers website and is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.