By the time you read this, the Fourth of July will have just passed. Maybe you gathered with friends for a parade or fireworks. Perhaps you skipped the festivities and just enjoyed a long weekend. Whether you opted for hot dogs or earplugs, one thing is for sure: Independence Day isn’t the only opportunity we have to consider what it means to be both patriotic and Christian, but it sure is a big one.

In “How to Have Patriotism Without Nationalism,” Bonnie Kristian reminds us that our patriotism can manifest in humility and hospitality rather than pride. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis prompts us to remember that “America’s True Freedom Is Getting to Sing About God, Not Country.” And Amy Julia Becker calls us to consider how “Independence Day Calls Us to the Holy Work of Repair.”

We hope these articles that put patriotism and Christian faithfulness in conversation with one another encourage you this week. While figuring out the relationship of patriotism and faith isn’t always an easy one, this we know for sure: our primary allegiance is to the King of Kings, and it is under his rule that we find the freedom and joy to love our countries, too.