I hate racism. Watching the news is heartbreaking to say the least. As overwhelming as the hate, violence, and turmoil is, there is something we can do.
- We can educate ourselves with the truth (God’s word) concerning racism.
- We can receive it, believe it, and live it out.
- We can teach our children and anyone within our circle of influence the truth.
- We can stand up for what is right- the truth!
Here is what the Bible says:
We are all equal
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
We all have the same blood
And (God) has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. Acts 17:26
Racism is a sin
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:8-9
There is no place for racism
[In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [ who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [ everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person].Colossians 3:11AMP
God accepts people from every race, culture and nation
Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Acts 10:34,35
In Heaven, all mankind will worship together
“As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the LORD, “so will your name and descendants endure. From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the LORD. Isaiah 6:22
We should not think of ourselves more highly than others
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3
Hallelujah! It’s clearly spelled out in the Word of God!
A story from my youth
I have always hated racism. When I was younger I was very feisty about it! I remember one incident where I was on a double date, and we were watching “Fried Green Tomatoes” at the movie theater. There was an intensely violent scene with the KKK, and the guy who was on a date with my friend actually started laughing! I said to him, “What in the world could be funny?” He proceeded to laugh harder. I stood up, threw my popcorn and coke in his face, called him a “racist idiot” and left the theater!
My approach these days is a little different.
The main thing I’ve learned is not to trade hate for hate. I now realize that anyone who feels the need to put themselves above anyone else, or to hate someone just because of their differences, is an extremely deceived individual! So instead of hating them, I hate the sin and calmly stand up for what is right. I’ve had some great conversations with people that produce a lot more fruit than throwing popcorn and Coke in their face!
Speaking into the next generation
In dealing with the racial issues that happen around the world, I pray for God’s divine help and use those situations to teach my children the difference between right and wrong. I cannot change everyone in the world, but I can certainly raise my children to love people and believe and live out what the Bible says!
After all, the entire law from God’s word is summed up in this: “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
We can bring truth, light and love to this world. We can pass it on to our descendants, and make a difference in ending racism.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King Jr.