January 18, 2026
Happy Sunday,
Last weekend, lines were drawn around a high-profile ICE shooting in Minneapolis (catch up here). You either stood behind Renee Good or you stood behind the ICE agent who shot her.
When tragedy strikes, why do we feel compelled to pick a side?
I think far too often, we want to be “right.” And it’s not a new phenomenon. When a man is left for dead on the road to Jericho, the priest and the Levite pass by “on the other side.” They’ve chosen their side—and they think they’re standing with God because of the possibility of becoming unclean by contact with the wounded. But the Samaritan “came to where [the hurt man] was” and “had compassion.” And you know how the parable ends.1
The religious folks’ desire to be “right” outweighs their compassion. They think their correct knowledge and safe distance please God… but they tragically miss the point and end up on the wrong side of His biggest commandment: love.
You’ve probably formed your opinion about the tragedy in Minneapolis by now. But let the priest and the Levite remind you that any opinion lacking love—however well informed—misses God’s mark.2
Let’s show compassion for everyone involved by bringing them before the Lord (listen and pray along here):
Merciful Father,
teach us compassion that crosses lines of division and hatred.
Everlasting God,
You know all, perfectly, exhaustively, completely,
and yet You will not pass by on the other side,
aloof in Your rightness. You come near.
In Jesus, You came to “the other side,” to Your enemies
with humility, healing, and salvation.
Teach us compassion that draws near to others
as You have drawn near to us.
Quiet the violent anger, twisting anxiety, and rising fear
in Minneapolis and across the country.
Bring order and peace out of chaos and unrest.
Open channels for constructive conversation
and open doors for renewal in dark and broken places.
Comfort families and communities that are reeling.
Lead ICE agents and local law enforcement
so that they protect and serve with integrity and righteousness.
May they be fearless and victorious when confronting wolves
but discerning and gentle when they meet lambs.
Give investigators insight and give courts wisdom,
and grow Your people’s faith that You will soon right every wrong.3
Unify Your church against our enemy—Satan—
and strengthen us to keep Your weightiest command
as ambassadors for Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
for the glory of Your name.
Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Steph Juliot
Recommended Reading
1. Luke 10:25-37
2. 1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:1-13
3. Isaiah 35:3-10
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