In James 2:1 Jesus’ brother writes, “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” NLT Many of us might bristle at that statement thinking – I don’t show favoritism. Yet, I think we are all more biased and discriminatory than we realize or are willing to admit.

In 2020, we spent 3 months in a semi-quarantine state, trying to stay safe in our homes. Isolation may keep our bodies safe but it doesn’t do anything good for our souls. It was easy to grow increasingly restless, impatient, and irritable. Were we becoming a ticking time-bomb? If so, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that when numerous accounts of vile racism were exposed on national TV, our country erupted with anger. Demonstrations and protests turned violent and ugly. Perhaps, the isolation and frustration caused people to do things they wouldn’t normally do. Tempers flared, hateful words were spoken, and destructive and violent acts were committed.

Some praised the protesters declaring that only outrage would change the heart of our nation. Others denounced the riots saying that violence only makes things worse. People on both sides of the debate were convinced that they were the ones in the right. Both sides rose up as judges condemning others who they saw as wrong.

In the same passage, James wrote “judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:13 NIV

As I have prayed for myself and my biases and reactions to the recent events of our nation, I believe the Holy Spirit has led me to pray – Father, help me to be merciful. Instead of being judgmental, make me merciful. Help me to see people through the eyes of mercy. Help me to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Change me from the inside out and do the same for our hurting land.