By Nancy Virden (c)2020

This was a rough week for America.

Sin is against God and sin always causes human suffering. Sin murders, steals, and destroys in the name of looking out for number one.

When people claim to know God and choose to diminish, use, and hate other people, the Bible says these claimants are liars and do not have God’s love in their hearts. 

Billy Graham said in 1993, “Racial and ethnic hatred is a sin, and we need to label it as such. Jesus told his disciples to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matt. 22:39); and in reply to the question ‘Who is my neighbor?’ he responded with a pointed parable about a good Samaritan, a member of a despised race (Luke 10:25-37).”

We see sin each day in the way humans treat each other. We see sin in overt cruelty and racism. Selfish and wicked people think it is fine to rob individuals, families, and whole people groups of their rights and autonomy. 

We see sin in the apathy, the refusal to learn what others feel, the ostrich head-in-the-sand act of listening only to those who agree. Sin appears when opposing opinions are shut down or shouted over without a fair hearing. It thrives in chosen ignorance.  

Sin dehumanizes and demonizes what is less understood. Sin shouts, “I’m right and “those” people…” It stays scared and judgmental rather than teachable. It follows the latest rant of a favorite politician or celebrity, not because of its wisdom, but because of its comfort and familiarity. 

James, Jesus’ brother, had specific words for this type of sin. “People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it

praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” (James 3:7-10).

Jesus, our Savior from sin, commands us to love each other. Everyone has a choice to live as one who overcomes evil with good or not.

Evil exists. Good exists. In which will we choose to participate?

Today’s Helpful Word

James 3:13-17
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom… But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (underlining is mine)

 

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright (c) 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.., Carlo Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved