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"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
(James 5:16)
News broke over the weekend that President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, have contracted the COVID-19 virus. It appears that they may have gotten the virus from close contact with presidential advisor, Hope Hicks, who tested positive last week. This coronavirus is no joke and should not be taken lightly. The good news is the chances of recovery for those who contract COVID-19 is very high: somewhere around 99%. But we all should be diligent in doing what we can to protect ourselves and those with whom we come into contact. You know the drill: social distance, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, stay home if you are sick, and try not to touch your face.
The response to the news of the Trumps getting the coronavirus was varied. While most were sympathetic and expressed concern, there were some who showed no mercy, even though this virus has taken over 200,000 lives in the USA alone. I was especially saddened by one response that expressed a hope that both the president and vice president would die so that Nancy Pelosi would become president. That was pretty heartless, but it reveals how far we are from being "one nation under God".
James teaches us that we are to pray for one another. There are no qualifications as to those for whom we should pray. I get the impression we are to pray for everyone, those we agree with and those we do not agree with. In fact, the Bible clearly commands us to pray for those who are in leadership in government. Paul teaches us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Last week, I met with one of our lay leaders at Great Hills Baptist Church, Ken Farmer, and he had some really sage advice. He says he prays for those who do not like him. He said he could not stay angry at someone while also praying for them. I encourage you to do this. Pray for those who disagree with you and those who stand for everything you oppose. For example, some reading this today turn red and get a visceral response even when they hear the name Donald Trump. Others of you have the same reaction when you hear the name Joe Biden, or the name of any Democrat, for that matter. But is that the way of Christ? No; the better way and path is to love. Forgive, and yes, pray.
Jesus said, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
Will you pray even now for those with whom you disagree? If yes, then you will be far better off and will notice a calm and peace you may have been missing.
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