An Article on Racism
There is so much being said and shared regarding how we can best love our neighbors, no matter what race, color, or background. This article by Reverend Billy Graham explains what God's heart (and by extension, our hearts) is for people of all races and how the Church can demonstrate His heart to the world around us.
Please take a moment to read and reflect on this article.
“Racial and ethnic hatred is a sin, and we need to label it as such. Jesus told his disciples to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39); and in reply to the question “Who is my neighbor?” he responded with a pointed parable about a good Samaritan, a member of a despised race (Luke 10:25-37).
Racism is a sin precisely because it keeps us from obeying God’s command to love our neighbor, and because it has its roots in pride and arrogance. Christians who harbor racism in their attitudes or actions are not following their Lord at this point, for Christ came to bring reconciliation—reconciliation between us and God, and reconciliation between each other. He came to accept us as we are, whoever we are, “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9).
Tragically, too often in the past evangelical Christians have turned a blind eye to racism or have been willing to stand aside while others take the lead in racial reconciliation, saying it was not our responsibility. (I admit I share in that blame.) As a result, many efforts toward reconciliation in America have lacked a Christian foundation and may not outlive the immediate circumstances that brought them into existence. Our consciences should be stirred to repentance by how far we have fallen short of what God asks us to be as his agents of reconciliation.
Racism is not only a social problem, therefore; because racism is a sin, it is also a moral and spiritual issue. Legal and social efforts to obliterate racism (or at least curb its more onerous effects) have a legitimate place. However, only the supernatural love of God can change our hearts in a lasting way and replace hatred and indifference with love and active compassion.
No other force exists besides the church that can bring people together week after week and deal with their deepest hurts and suspicions. Of all people, Christians should be the most active in reaching out to those of other races, instead of accepting the status quo of division and animosity.
The issues that face us are complex and enormous, and simply wishing they would go away will not solve them. I do not pretend to know the full answer. But let those of us who claim the name of Christ report of our past failures and, relying on the Holy Spirit, demonstrate to a weary and frightened world that Christ indeed “has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility … through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility” (Eph. 2:14-15).”
Dr. Billy Graham (Christianity Today, Oct. 4, 1993)
A Conversation on Race
I recently talked with my friend, Pastor Rodney Wilkinson from Gospel Fellowship in Boynton Beach, FL about the topic of race in our culture today. I pray it brings you hope and encouragement in this time.
In all of our conversations about race and equality, let us make sure we are allowing God to speak into the situation and give us wisdom, clarity, and love.
Let's Continue to Pray
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." -Proverbs 31:8-9
We want our voices to be heard on behalf of the oppressed. May we open our mouths in their defense before the world around us and just as fervently, in prayer. We need a work of the Holy Spirit in our nation, so join us in praying for the following areas:
For Spiritual transformation in our nation (Ephesians 2:12-19)
Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-6)
Love for all people (Colossians 3:14)
Protection (Psalm 91:11-13)
Healing for the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3)
Hope for tomorrow (Jeremiah 29:11)
Guidance and help for Church leaders and those in authority (Psalm 91:1-2)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” -John 13:34
Praying we can all learn to love one another with the same compassion, sacrifice, and mercy as Jesus.
Pastor Daniel