“…the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18)
It has been alarming to see the growing polarisation in politics across the Western world. It’s a pattern that appears to be becoming evident internationally, nationally and locally. Reasoned and reasonable debates seem to have been replaced with a rhetoric of hate that automatically and unthinkingly demonises any who hold a contrary opinion to a speaker. Amplified, brazen conspiracy theories replace carefully researched narratives. Every sound bite needs to be followed by fact-checking. Judges and judgements – at even the highest levels – have become bewilderingly separated from common sense and case law. The ‘cut and thrust’ and verbal sparring of elected officials increasingly seem to involve actual fistfights and real knives. And now bullets threaten to replace ballots in the US. It’s not always “over there” or “elsewhere” either: there are unconfirmed suspicions of coordinated intimidation and of harassment of candidates in the recent UK election. The good-natured banter and heckling of past UK elections have been overshadowed by something much more sinister and viler.
Lord, give us the wisdom that comes from heaven. Raise up fearless and courageous peacemakers. Protect and vindicate us when we choose to walk a straight path through a crooked world.