Jordan Merritt is a Christian writer/producer, artist and worship leader signed to People & Songs. Among Jordan's most notable works are "You Hold It All," a popular worship song recorded by the Newsboys; "People of the Cross," a moving anthem performed by Selah; "Yet I Want More," and “Give Us Your Heart” featuring Melanie Tierce; powerful offerings from The Emerging Sound project, later recorded by The Worship Initiative by Shane & Shane. Jordan has spent over half of his life in ministry serving in various roles and churches across the country including church planting and lead-pastoring

"Can we be human? I just want to have a conversation."

I could easily write an entire blog on what it means to be human. But I believe the Bible and years of scientific study provide a better answer than I could. Instead, I want to focus on something else: the conversation.

I’ve spent much of my adult life in vocational ministry, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that ministry involves conflict. In fact, I’d argue that 80 percent of ministry is conflict resolution. Whether it’s denominational, philosophical, theological, personal, familial, or over vision, priorities, or values—conflict is everywhere.

I haven’t always navigated it perfectly, and I’m sure you haven’t either. But here’s what I know about human conflict: 100 percent of the time, it starts with a conversation.

And right now, conflict is all around us. So here’s the point: this song is an invitation to hard conversations.

Look around the world—religion, race, politics, abortion, sexuality. Everything seems like a hot topic. People are afraid to engage in these conversations.

I often hesitate to post something I believe in, knowing it might cause frustration or confusion without the chance to explain my perspective. We’re living in a powder-keg culture, quick to react to what angers us, and avoiding meaningful dialogue with those we disagree with. We set “boundaries” at family gatherings to avoid uncomfortable topics, thinking it keeps the peace, but in reality, it builds walls between us.

But here’s the thing: when we talk about what we disagree on, we open the door to understanding and love. The goal of conversation isn’t necessarily agreement—it’s love.

And there is only one truth. Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life. This means Jesus is the path to truth, and that truth leads to fullness of life. He also said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” The Greek word for "truth" can also mean "reality." So, you shall know reality, and reality will set you free. We see this in addiction recovery—you have to face the truth of where you are. In our faith, we must confess our sins, accept the truth, and turn from what holds us back.

Truth leads to life. Jesus is the truth. The Bible reveals Him to us.

Now, back to the conversation. I know some people may disagree with everything I’ve said, and that’s okay. I’d love to have a conversation with them, because they may see things I don’t. I value your perspective, even if it doesn’t change my mind.

If we will learn to do this, we will learn to love each other better.

Jesus was incredible at loving people who were different from Him. He sought out those others would avoid. That’s why He came—to seek and save the lost. So why should the Church, God’s people, be any different?

We shouldn’t avoid those who disagree with us. We should run toward them. We shouldn’t shy away from difficult conversations. We should invite them and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us through them. We should engage the world with love, with grace, and with humility, because that’s what Jesus did.

Every one of us needs Him. Every one of us experiences pain, hurt, doubt, fear, and loneliness. These shared struggles unite us as humans. Romans 3 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We’ve all felt the sting of sin—whether it’s our own or someone else’s.

So, here’s my prayer:

For the Church—that we would love each other the way Jesus asked us to. Like Jesus prayed in John 17, that we would be in unity, just as He and the Father are. That we would share the truth in love, live humbly and gently with one another, and keep the peace through unity in the Spirit. Ephesians 4 says, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

We should not fear the world, but engage it with the love of Jesus, shining His light into the darkness.

This song began as a prayer for the Church, and for the world, to stop fighting, quarreling, and creating division. Jesus prayed for our unity, and there’s a connection between how we love one another and how the world sees Him.

And here’s my prayer for the world: that we could have a conversation—about anything—without offense, fear, or judgment. That we would seek to understand each other more than we seek to be right. I’ll be upfront: I’m a Bible-believing, church-going, family-loving farm boy with a guitar. I don’t have a degree or a big business, but I do have a deep love for Jesus. And He loves you more than either of us can comprehend. He calls me to love you too.

I won’t back down from my convictions, but I promise to engage with an open mind and a heart willing to hear your perspective. And in doing so, I believe we’ll see a little bit of ourselves in each other—and maybe even see Jesus there too.

So, I’m asking for a chance.

Jordan Merritt

"Can we be human? I just want to have a conversation."

Look around the world—religion, race, politics, abortion, sexuality. Everything seems like a hot topic. People are afraid to engage in these conversations.

Jesus was incredible at loving people who were different from Him. He sought out those others would avoid. That’s why He came—to seek and save the lost. So why should the Church, God’s people, be any different?

So, here’s my prayer:

We should not fear the world, but engage it with the love of Jesus, shining His light into the darkness.

"Can we be human? I just want to have a conversation."

Jordan Merritt, People & Songs | Human

Leah Gourlie

Laura Story