Grapevine, Texas (BP)—Scripture provides guidance for Christians as they decide which candidate to support on Election Day, Texas pastor Ed Young Jr. told his congregation Oct. 19.

The pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine gave five categories believers should examine about each political candidate.

Character. “Everything begins with character,” Young said, pointing to Proverbs 29:2: “If we elect righteous leaders, our government will be righteous, and if our government is righteous then the laws will be righteous.”

Christians should take a political candidate’s private conduct seriously, Young said. “For a long, long time, people have said, ‘Who you are in private does not really affect who you area in public office.’ That’s absolutely nuts because who you are in private is who you are.”

Conviction. Reading from Proverbs 28:1, the “righteous are bold as a lion,” Young explained, “We need to elect lionesses and lions in this day—people who are not politicians but people who are statesmen, people who are leaders.”

Issues such as gay marriage, and abortion are examples of society is moving away from the conviction of scriptural teachings.

“God has told us from cover to cover that there is only one context where sex should be enjoyed and practiced and celebrated—marriage. … The Bible tells me and it tells you that during the end of time ... what is right (will be viewed as) wrong and (what is) wrong (will be viewed as) right.”

On abortion, Young said, “We’re taking the lives, of ... 3,200 (developing) babies a day, when you’ll get thrown in prison and pay an astronomical fine if you disturb the eggs of developing sea turtles.”

Courage. “Courage is the God-given ability to stand,” Young noted. “Conviction is belief. Courage is behavior.”

Compassion. Giving the biblical definition of compassion, Young read from Proverbs 31:8-9, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” He also read from Proverbs 24:11, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”

Constituency. Young said examining who supports and opposes the candidate can help determine who to support.

“I can meet your friends, without even meeting you, and tell you what kind of a person you are,” Young explained. “If the mainstream secular media supports a candidate ... there is a great chance that something is sideways, (and) you better look at that one very, very closely.”