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When Dr. Martin Luther King took notice of the injustice of segregation and discrimination, rather than resort to violence, he led a protest of nonviolence. His approach followed the advice of James, half-brother of our Lord. James counseled believers in his day on how to deal with the injustice they were facing. Poverty and oppression were rampant leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Some were tempted to lash out in bitter rivalry, jealousy, and violence. But James, in Chapter 3, said no, that’s not the way. “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 if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness is not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 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 good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” Let’s follow James advice.
