Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love: A Call to Reckoning and Reconciliation

In the wake of the recent racial unrest that has gripped our nation, it is imperative for the Church to address the sin of racism and its devastating impact on our communities. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39),and to strive for justice and reconciliation in all areas of life.

This article will explore the biblical mandate for racial reconciliation, highlight the historical and present-day manifestations of racism within the Church, and provide practical steps toward fostering a more just and loving community.

The Bible is clear in its condemnation of racism and its call for racial reconciliation. In the Old Testament, God created all people in His image (Genesis 1:27),and He commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ died on the cross to redeem all people from sin, regardless of their race or ethnicity (Galatians 3:28).

One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love

by John M. Perkins

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14-16:

> "[Christ] himself is our peace, who has made us one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility. ... He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."

This passage reminds us that Jesus Christ has broken down the barriers that divide us, and that we are all called to be reconciled to one another in love.

Despite the clear biblical mandate for racial reconciliation, the Church has often been complicit in perpetuating racism. Throughout history, the Church has used its authority to justify slavery, segregation, and other forms of racial oppression.

Even today, racism continues to manifest itself within the Church in subtle and overt ways. Some churches remain segregated, while others tolerate racist attitudes and behaviors. This is a betrayal of our faith and a violation of the biblical mandate for love and justice.

Fostering racial reconciliation within the Church will require a commitment from all of us. Here are some practical steps that we can take:

• Educate ourselves about the history of racism and its impact on our communities. This includes learning about the experiences of people of color, and the ways in which racism has been perpetuated by the Church.
• Examine our own hearts for any racist attitudes or biases. We must be honest with ourselves about our own complicity in racism, and repent of any sins that we have committed.
• Speak out against racism whenever we see it. This means calling out racist jokes, microaggressions, and other forms of racial discrimination.
• Support organizations that are working to promote racial justice and reconciliation. There are many organizations that are ng important work in this area, and we can support them with our time, money, and prayers.
• Build relationships with people of different races and cultures. Getting to know people who are different from us helps us to break down stereotypes and build bridges of understanding.
• Pray for racial reconciliation. Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us to change our hearts and the world around us.

Racial reconciliation is not an easy task, but it is an essential one for the Church. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to strive for justice and reconciliation in all areas of life.

Let us commit ourselves to working for racial reconciliation within the Church and beyond. Let us be a light in the darkness, and a beacon of hope for a more just and loving world.

Amen.

One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love

by John M. Perkins

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10664 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE