Our Scripture reading today is Luke 9:54-56.
Verse 56, "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."
It would appear that James and John did not know themselves and they did not know Jesus very well. They were not representing God by wanting to destroy people. The Lord Jesus wanted all people to repent and be saved. This included the Samaritans. He was not there to destroy anyone, but to love them to Himself. Of course, not everyone believed or received His message.
We are to look for ways that we can extend mercy and not harsh judgment. A worthwhile goal for us to strive for can be found in Hebrews 8:12, "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." By the grace of God, we can show forth mercy and meekness to those who are not walking with the Lord or those who do not know the Lord. “The disciples of that Christ who died for his enemies should never think of avenging themselves on their persecutors.” (Clarke)