Justin Appel

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today’s reading from Saint James’ epistle is hard-hitting, to say the least, but a passage I need to hear.

James identifies pride as a central problem in our lives, and a passion that manifests itself in judgmental attitudes and words towards others.

One of the realities I’m slowly learning about life is the humanity I share with other people, something which is an essential tenant of our faith, which the saints teach as a central axiom. I don’t simply mean we share the same abstract truth, but rather that we are all a product of God’s loving activity.

When I criticize or judge others, I’m choosing to neglect what I have in common with them: our humanity, the reality of being made in the image of God, of receiving Christ’s love as a created being. I share this created-ness, this enfleshment with every other person, no matter how unlike me or disagreeable they are, and as a result of this shared human nature, I need the same healing.

How can I really think I’m better than the Other Person, broken as they undoubtedly are — and as I absolutely am? Surely my need for salvation is as great as theirs?

Rather than responding with pride and judgmental words, God calls me to interact with others in humility and with mercy.

Yours in Christ,
Justin