In recent days, the deaths of two people by federal agents has stirred powerful emotions across our nation. Different narratives have emerged about what happened, and people on both sides are sharing facts that support their own understanding of the event. Some say one thing; others say something quite different. And the more the story unfolds, the more important it becomes for us, as disciples of Christ, to pause and ask: Are we seeing all the facts, or only the ones that confirm what we already think?
If I can use a simple analogy: I can say “A masked man cut me.” That could describe a terrifying mugging by a masked assailant, or a masked surgeon using a scalpel in the operating room. Both understandings are literally true—but the context and more nuanced words helping to clarify facts changes everything. Without seeing the whole scene, without examining all the facts, we risk misunderstanding the reality and turning compassion into judgment, or righteous anger into false accusation.
Even with a little more context, we need to be careful before drawing conclusions. Out there, there might be a manic medic, causing grave bodily harm with a primary instrument of his or her trade. There is rarely black and white - context and the fullness of the facts matter. Otherwise good people can do terrible things. And sharing only the facts that demonize or canonize someone is disingenuous and wrong, no matter which side or whatever motive.
In True Mercy Has Teeth, I write about holy confrontation—the courage to name what is true, and to seek the full truth, not a partial story that fits our preconceptions. A holy confrontation is one in which the facts are presented in their fullness. Only by doing so can the truth is discerned, and lead to the pathos proper accountability, hopeful healing, and lasting reconciliation.
One of the key paragraphs in that chapter: "Confrontation is most effective when both sides can discuss the matter calmly and without overly emotional language or blaming. Both need to desire to understand all sides of the truth, not just arguing from emotion. It also requires both to desire to find the truth, not just be right." I would now add that both need to recognize the other as created in the image and likeness of God, be willing to accept the humanity of the other, and be ready to change one's mind and to apologize and forgive.
As people of faith, we are called not only to condemn evil wherever and whenever it occurs, but also to seek the full picture before locking in our conclusions. This is not moral neutrality—it is obedience to truth. It is possible, and even necessary, to hold compassion for the victims, a desire for justice, and a commitment to truth, all at once. This deep discernment reflects the heart of Christ, who weeps with us, stands with us in pain, and calls us to look beyond our initial reactions. This is mercy with teeth.
Let us pray that the investigations reveal the truth in full, that those who have died be granted mercy, the guilty are held accountable, and that our responses as a community be led by truth and compassion—not just the fragments that confirm our fears or our ideologies.
May the Lord grant us peace and the humility to seek truth at all times. May the Lord grant us peace and the humility to seek truth at all times.
