Today’s Daily Lesson comes from 1 Timothy chapter 5 verses 19 through 22:
19Never accept any accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear. 21In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, I warn you to keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing on the basis of partiality. 22Do not lay hands upon anyone hastily, and do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
Since the tragic death of Trayvon Martin, we as a nation have been engaged in a very discussion of black lives, policing, and prejudice. In recent days, we have seen very public examples of the ways bias can lead to unwarranted suspicion against persons of color.
The writers of the New Testament took bias and prejudice and false accusation seriously. As a followers of the falsely-accused and wrongfully-condemned Jesus, they knew how easily injustice can be visited upon the innocent. Having been complicit in the wrongful condemnation of the early martyr Stephen, Paul was especially aware of how easy it is to be caught up in the railroading of an innocent person. The Church therefore worked actively within both its own community and also the broader society to combat wrongful condemnation. Acts chapter 16 verses 16 through 40 is an especially vivid account.
Bias is real and we all have it. Today’s Lesson reminds us to be aware of our bias, be slow to judgment, and refrain from being carried away by our own and others’ prejudices. Awareness is key; and Paul is telling us to beware lest we too have innocent blood on our hands.
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