The world often feels like a broken road, doesn't it? Full of unexpected twists, turns, and sometimes, a shocking lack of compassion. As Christians, we're called to be lights in that darkness, to reflect God's love in a world that desperately needs it. This call becomes particularly poignant when we consider how we, as followers of Christ, are to relate to immigrants in our communities.

For guidance, we need look no further than one of Jesus' most powerful parables: the Good Samaritan.

Luke 10:25-36 NIV [25] On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” [27] He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” [28] “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” [29] But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ [36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

Imagine the scene: A man, traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, falls among robbers. They strip him, beat him, and leave him for dead. Along comes a priest, then a Levite – both pillars of the religious community. And both, perhaps seeing the man's predicament as an inconvenience or a defilement, pass by on the other side. Their priorities, it seems, were not aligned with immediate, sacrificial love.

Then, a Samaritan. Samaritans were despised by the Jews of the day, considered outsiders and heretics. Yet, it is this "foreigner" who stops. He doesn't question the man's origin, his past, or his worthiness. He sees a human being in dire need. He bandages his wounds, pours oil and wine on them, puts him on his own animal, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care. He goes above and beyond, extending radical hospitality and compassion.

Jesus then asks, "Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" The expert in the law replies, "The one who showed him mercy." And Jesus tells him, "You go, and do likewise."

This parable isn't just a quaint story; it's a direct challenge to our preconceived notions of who our "neighbor" is. It compels us to look beyond ethnicity, nationality, language, or legal status. It commands us to see the humanity in every person, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized.

When we apply this to immigrants, the parallels are striking. Immigrants often arrive in new lands having experienced immense hardship, loss, and vulnerability. They are the ones on the side of the road, in need of a compassionate hand. Do we, like the priest and the Levite, pass by? Or do we, like the Good Samaritan, stop and offer help?

Applying the Good Samaritan to Undocumented Immigrants

The parable of the Good Samaritan directly challenges how we view and interact with undocumented immigrants. Just as the Samaritan did not inquire about the injured man's background or legal standing before offering aid, Christians are called to extend compassion to all individuals in need, regardless of their immigration status.

Undocumented immigrants often face unique vulnerabilities, including a lack of access to healthcare, legal protection, and social services. According to a 2021 report by the Pew Research Center, there were an estimated 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2021. Many of these individuals are working in essential industries, paying taxes (including sales and property taxes, and often income taxes indirectly or directly), and contributing to their communities, yet they live with constant fear and instability. For instance, an analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) estimated that undocumented immigrants collectively paid over $11.74 billion in state and local taxes in 2018.

However, despite these contributions, they are frequently marginalized and can be targets of exploitation due to their precarious legal situation. They are, in many ways, the "man on the road" who has fallen among robbers, stripped of their security and left vulnerable. Our response, as followers of Christ, should mirror the Samaritan's actions: not to question their "worthiness" or legal status, but to see their humanity and respond with mercy and practical assistance. This means focusing on their immediate needs for safety, dignity, and basic human rights, just as the Samaritan provided medical care and shelter.

The Bible is full of scriptures that underscore this call to welcome the stranger:

Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV) "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."

This isn't a suggestion; it's a command, rooted in God's own character and Israel's history.

Deuteronomy 10:18-19 (NIV) "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."

God's heart is clearly for the vulnerable, including foreigners.

Matthew 25:35 (NIV) "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."

Jesus directly links our treatment of "the least of these" to our treatment of Him.

Maintaining a strong foundation in faith and aligning our priorities with God's will means recognizing that His will is always centered on love, justice, and compassion for all people. This is a continuous process, not a quick fix, requiring regular self-reflection and openness to God's guidance. When we see an immigrant, especially one who is undocumented, we are called to see a neighbor, a fellow human being made in God's image, deserving of dignity and care.

Just as the Good Samaritan didn't ask for papers or judge the man's past, we are called to extend mercy and practical help. This could mean advocating for just policies that uphold human dignity, volunteering at local aid organizations that serve all immigrants regardless of status, offering practical assistance like food or shelter, or simply extending friendship and hospitality. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and truly living out the command to "love your neighbor as yourself."

Let us strive to be Good Samaritans in a world that desperately needs them, reflecting God's boundless love to every person, especially those who are new among us

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Today's U.S. Supreme Court decision, though not a direct ruling on President Donald Trump's Executive Order to end birthright citizenship, has intensified the national conversation around the 14th Amendment's guarantee. The Court's ruling focused specifically on the scope of nationwide injunctions issued by lower courts. 

For context, the Fourteenth Amendment's opening sentence declares: 'All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.' While I hold the view that this clause grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., irrespective of parental status, the central purpose of this blog post is to delve into how Christians should understand this issue through the guidance of scripture.

The concept of birthright citizenship, where citizenship is granted to nearly everyone born within a country's borders, is a deeply debated topic. For Christians, navigating this discussion requires looking beyond political rhetoric and examining it through the lens of biblical principles. While the Bible doesn't directly address modern nation-states or birthright citizenship, it offers profound insights into how we should view the stranger, the sojourner, and the responsibilities of a just society.

One of the most foundational principles in the Old Testament is the command to treat the foreigner with justice and compassion. 

Deuteronomy 10:19 NIV And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. 

This verse reminds us of Israel's own history as aliens in a foreign land and calls for empathy towards those who are not native-born. 

Leviticus 19:34 NIV The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

These two verses highlight God's heart for the marginalized and vulnerable, including those who are new to a land.

From a New Testament perspective, Jesus's teachings on love, mercy, and welcoming the stranger are paramount. 

Matthew 25:35-40 NIV [35] For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, [36] I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ [37]  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ [40]  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

The early church, as described in Acts, was also characterized by its radical inclusivity, welcoming people from all nations and backgrounds into the community of believers.

Some might argue that a nation has the right to control its borders and define its citizenry and yes, the Bible does speak of order and governance. 

Romans 13:1-5 NIV [1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

However, this does not negate the call to compassion and justice. The challenge lies in balancing the legitimate concerns of national sovereignty with the biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable and to reflect God's love to all people.

Ultimately, for Christians, the discussion around birthright citizenship isn't merely about legalities, but about living out our faith in a way that honors God. It's about asking ourselves: 
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• How can our policies reflect God's heart for justice and mercy? 
• How can we be a people who welcome the stranger, remembering that we, too, are sojourners in this world, looking forward to our eternal home? 

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This requires prayerful consideration, a commitment to understanding different perspectives, and a reliance on God's guidance to navigate complex societal issues with grace and truth.

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Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, marks a pivotal moment in American history. It commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received news of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. For Christians, Juneteenth is more than just a historical observance; it's a profound opportunity to reflect on themes of liberation, justice, and God's unwavering heart for the oppressed.

From a biblical perspective, the story of Juneteenth resonates deeply with narratives of deliverance and exodus. Just as God heard the cries of the Israelites in bondage and led them to freedom, He also moved in the hearts and minds of those who fought for the abolition of slavery. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of justice, who actively intervenes to break chains and set the captives free.

However, recognizing freedom in 1865 was only one step. The journey towards true equality and reconciliation continues. For Christians, this means not just remembering the past but actively working towards a more just and equitable future. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any prejudices, to advocate for those who are marginalized, and to dismantle systems of injustice that still exist.

Juneteenth also offers a chance to celebrate the resilience, faith, and enduring spirit of African Americans. Through unimaginable hardship, their faith in God remained strong, providing hope and strength. This resilience is a testament to the power of God's grace and His ability to sustain His people through trials.

As followers of Christ, our celebration of Juneteenth should be marked by both remembrance and action. It's a time to give thanks for the freedom that was granted, to acknowledge the long road traveled, and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of living out God's kingdom values here on earth. This includes pursuing righteousness, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Let Juneteenth be a day when we not only reflect on the past but are inspired to embody God's love, justice, and freedom in our lives and communities, ensuring that the promise of liberation reaches every soul.

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In a world often marked by division and prejudice, it is crucial for us as Christians to firmly declare that racism is not merely a social ill, but a direct contradiction to the very heart of our faith. The Bible, from beginning to end, champions unity, love, and the inherent dignity of every human being, created in the image of God. To embrace racism is to reject these foundational truths and to stand in opposition to Christ's teachings.
The concept of race, as a hierarchical system of human differentiation, is a human construct, not a divine one. God's perspective is far more encompassing and unifying.

One Blood, Many Nations: The Origin of Humanity

The Bible makes it unequivocally clear that all humanity originates from a single source. 

Acts of the Apostles 17:26 NLT From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

This is a powerful rebuttal, from the Word of God to any notion of inherent racial superiority or inferiority. We are all descendants of Adam, unified by our shared humanity and our common Creator. This truth should humble us and inspire a profound respect for every individual, regardless of their skin color or ethnic background.

The New Covenant: Breaking Down Walls

Before Christ, there were significant divisions, particularly between Jew and Gentile. However, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross broke down these barriers, creating a new humanity united in Him. 

Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT [14] For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. [15] He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. [16] Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

This scripture, also from the Word of God reveals that the very mission of Christ was to abolish division and bring about reconciliation. Racism, by perpetuating hostility and division based on ethnicity, directly undermines this foundational truth of the New Covenant.

Love Your Neighbor

Jesus himself highlighted the importance of love as the core of God's law.  This was Jesus’ reply when asked about the greatest commandment, 

Matthew 22:35-40 NLT [35] One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: [36] “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” [37] Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (emphasis mine)

Jesus showed us through a parable exactly who your neighbor is, and He makes it abundantly clear that our neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social standing. 

Luke 10:30-37 NLT [30] Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. [31]  “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. [32] A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. [33]  “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. [34] Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. [35] The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ [36]  “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. [37] The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” 

To harbor racist thoughts or actions is to actively defy this commandment to love our neighbor. It is to deny the image of God in another and to withhold the very love that Christ exemplified.

The Body of Christ: Diverse and United

The Church, as the body of Christ, is meant to be a living testament to God's unifying power. 

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NLT [12] The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. [13] Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

This imagery emphasizes that diversity within the Church is not a weakness but a strength. Just as different parts of a body serve different functions but work together harmoniously, so too do believers from various backgrounds contribute to the richness and effectiveness of God's kingdom. Racism tears at the very fabric of this spiritual body, hindering its witness and its mission.

A Call to Action

For followers of Christ, standing against racism is not optional; it is integral to our faith. It requires:
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• Self-reflection: Examining our own hearts for any hidden biases or prejudices.
• Education: Learning about the historical and ongoing impact of racism.
• Advocacy: Speaking out against injustice and promoting racial reconciliation.
• Love in Action: Actively pursuing relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and serving those who are marginalized.

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Let us remember that our identity in Christ transcends all earthly divisions. We are called to be agents of reconciliation, bringing God's love and unity to a fractured world. Racism is not merely a social issue; it is a spiritual battle. By upholding the truth of God's Word, we can dismantle the strongholds of prejudice and build a world that truly reflects the glorious diversity and unifying love of our Creator.

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Editor’s Note:  This post was inspired by an article written by Whitney Holper author of “Wake Up to Wonder”

Injustice is simply a lack of fairness.  In other words, injustice is not impartial, it is not just treatment or behavior.  Injustice is favoritism or discrimination. Injustice happens all too often in our fallen world. It can be age, racial or gender discrimination. It can be religious or ethnic discrimination. It can take place with healthcare inequality.  It can take place in several other areas as well.   

When the Bible says that we can let justice run down like a river, that gives those who experience injustice hope but what exactly does it mean?  

Amos 5:24 NKJV But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.

When you take this verse in context you will find that God is saying that He is upset with the nation of Israel's phony worship. 

Here it is in context from the Message Bible ;
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Amos 5:21‭-‬24 MSG “I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

What Does "Let Justice Run Down Like a River" Mean?

The phrase “Let justice run down like a river” means that we should cooperate with God so that his justice will run down from his Spirit into us and out into the world through our lives. God is saying that he doesn’t want us to worship him through empty religious rituals, but instead to worship him through living lifestyles that are characterized by justice. God wants our moral character to align with His commitment to justice. God is upset when He sees us going through the motions of worship without truly working for justice. When we perform acts of justice, our just God considers those to be acts of worship.

Today in the church we engage in many different religious activities.  We meet for worship services, read scripture, sing praise and worship songs, pray, preach, give offerings, etc.  However, our daily lives reveal that we often neglect honesty and help for people in need, people like those who are poor and underserved.   We make a show of being faithful through religious rituals, but we are unfaithful in how we live from day to day. 

God is looking for people who are willing to cooperate with His work of bringing justice to our world. Those who do so will see God’s justice flow powerfully through their lives like the mighty current of a river.
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How Do We Make It Happen?

Rather than just going through religious activities – such as praying, reading the Bible, going to church, and singing worship songs – without trying to change the corruption around us, we should do something about the injustices we see every day Whenever we run into a situation that is unjust, we should listen to God speaking to us through our conscience. God wants us to agree with Him that those unjust situations are wrong, and to do what we can to make those situations right by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through us.

God uses people to bless others and to change the world.  It doesn’t just happen by magic.  Things change and happen when we cooperate with God by acting in faith and doing what God calls us to do. We need to stop passively crying about injustice. We need to start acting in faith and make justice happen. Justice will happen when we invite God to send his love and wisdom flowing through us and out into the world
God is calling all of us to choose to work for good when we’re confronted by injustice.   God is seeking worshipers who will faithfully connect to His Spirit and follow the truth of what God leads them to do.  These are the kind of worshipers that God is looking for.

John 4:22‭-‬24 NIV You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (Emphasis mine)

It’s not enough just to have the right beliefs; we also must have the right actions.  Justice and righteousness go together.

Micah 6:8 NIV He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Psalms 33:5 NIV The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Justice involves righting wrongs in society, while righteousness is doing right by people in need. As justice runs down through our lives and out into the world, we act on what God calls us to do both as a society and as individuals.   

Rather than trying to please God through religious rituals alone, we should pursue justice and righteousness, because that’s what God says matters most to him. 

Jeremiah 9:23‭-‬24 NIV This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. (Emphasis mine).

When we let justice run down like a river, we will become conduits for God’s Spirit to flow through, bringing justice to unjust situations, and blessing us and others in a ripple effect of mighty, never-failing power!

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Respect has become an endangered value over the past few decades, and even more so over the last four years.  

This lack of respect comes from the top of our government and trickles down to the governed.  There’s a lack of respect for women, for people of color, for people from third world countries, for our allies, for our enemies, for the poor, for people with different ideas, and finally for the truth. 

Yet the Bible makes it clear that stable societies are built around respect. The Bible commands us to;

Honor our parents,;

Exodus 20:12 (NLT2)  “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 

Respect civil authority, 

1 Peter 2:13 (NLT2)  For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 

Respect church leaders;

Hebrews 13:17 (NLT2)  Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. 

Wives are called to respect husbands;

Ephesians 5:33 (NLT2)  So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. 

Husbands are called to respect wives;

Ephesians 5:25 (NLT2)  For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 


Just to make it clear that God leaves no one out, the Bible also tells us to “show proper respect to everyone” 

1 Peter 2:17 (NLT2)  Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king. 

Everyone, regardless of beliefs, behaviors, gender or color is worthy of respect.

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Why? 

God made everyone. 

Psalm 8:3‭-‬8 GNT When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places—   what are human beings, that you think of them; mere mortals, that you care for them?   Yet you made them inferior only to yourself; you crowned them with glory and honor.   You appointed them rulers over everything you made; you placed them over all creation:  sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too;  the birds and the fish and the creatures in the seas.(emphasis mine)

God doesn’t make mistakes, junk, or anything worthless. No one is worthless. People make wrong decisions, but they are still valuable to God. Even the most unlovable person in the world is loved by God.

Jesus died for everyone. 

1 Peter 1:17-18 (NLT2)17  And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.”18  For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 

You may not place much value in certain people, but God does. In fact, he says every person you meet is worth dying for.

The Bible tells us that God is love. If you know God, you’ll fill your life with love. It shows you know God.  It also says that if you don’t love, if your life is not filled with love that you don’t know God.

1 John 4:7-8 (NLT2)7  Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.8  But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (emphasis mine) 

You’ll get back whatever you give out. It’s the law of the harvest. Whatever goes around comes around. If you want to be respected, treat other people with respect.

Galatians 6:7 (GW)  Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you'll harvest. 

When we love each other, we become “eager to show respect for each other (

Romans 12:10 (GW)  Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. 

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Although I am publishing this post for everyone it is especially for my white brothers and sisters inside and outside the church, believer or unbeliever.

Recent events regarding racial injustice have brought realizations of how divided we are in this nation and in the church when it comes to race

Most if not all of my black and brown brothers and sisters have had the same kinds of experiences that Robrenna Redl describes in the introduction to her article and post “10 Ways the Church Can Speak Love to Black and Brown Brothers and Sisters.”  (to read the entire post click the link)

She describes having conversations with friends in which statements are clearly racist when viewed from the lens of a black or brown person, and when confronted the person making the statement says that it was not racist.  As Robrenna, and as I say it is not them that can make that determination.   Then for the rest of the conversation they listen but don’t hear us.  It is not on us to prove that racism exists because we all know it.  

She had reached the point as many of us have where we’ve doubted people who were our friends, colleagues, even our  brothers and sisters in Christ even saw us, knew us, or cared about us.It ’s now time for all of us to acknowledge and address it.  When I say all I mean all of us.
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We didn’t get here overnight, so we won’t change overnight, this is an ongoing process. Choosing to actively and continually fight against prejudice and bias within and around us, will allow healing, restoration, and reconciliation through Christ. The commitment of repentance begins in admitting racism fully, turning away from it completely, then walking toward a path of forgiveness to reconciliation.

For my white brothers and sisters here are 10 ways you can speak love to your black and brown brothers and sisters.

* Editor’s Note;  Full scriptural texts and emphasis added by me.
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1. I’m listening.

I’m listening to your story without trying to explain, defend my position, prepare a rebuttal, or place blame. 

I will follow James 1:19, which says “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” 

James 1:19‭-‬21 NLT Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

I understand there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us there’s a time for everything. Verse 7 says there’s “a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” 

Ecclesiastes 3:1‭, ‬7‭-NLT For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 

When someone is sharing their personal story, it’s time for me to listen quietly. I choose to let you lead in conversations because I know this isn’t my area of expertise, and I have blind spots.

2. I will seek to understand.

Proverbs 11:12 says, “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.” 

Like many others, I admit my unconscious bias and preconceived notions affect my point of view. I will put those notions aside and do my best to listen without prejudice. To understand your perspective, I won’t evaluate the conversation to determine whether I agree with what you are saying. Nor will I interpret the discussion based on my experiences. Instead, I will listen attentively and empathetically.

3. I believe you.

I will follow Ephesians 4:2, which says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” 

I will display humility when you tell me about your experiences, instead of arrogantly denying any possibility of truth. I believe you and won’t doubt you just because I haven’t had the same experience. I won’t think that you are exaggerating or too sensitive. I understand by not believing you; I’m discounting and dishonoring your experiences.

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4. I acknowledge racism is not in the past but occurs today and is woven into our systems.

It isn’t something we can stop thinking about or fighting against. I admit racism looks different than I thought; however, it impacts people’s daily lives in ways it may not affect me. I recognize discriminatory practices in the criminal justice system, housing, and other areas are still a concern.

The structure in place is a form of oppression, reminiscent of Ecclesiastes 4:1, which says, “Again I looked and saw all the oppression taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter.”

Paul addressed maltreatment and putting obstacles that hinder people. Romans 14:10-13 speaks against this, reminding us we’re equal in Christ. Paul wrote,

“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”

I recognize discrimination in the church hinders my black and brown brothers and sisters worship and will determine to recognize this and be an instrument of healing and peace.

5. I have been complicit and complacent, whether I know it or not, because I benefit from the present system.

The current system of us vs. them conveys the message that you deserve to be treated a certain way, and I have nothing to do with your misfortunes. I know humility is key, as  Philippians 2:3 tells us we are to value others higher than ourselves. I will seek to live out this verse and won’t participate in the wrongdoing of the system by allowing unfair treatment to happen without protest, and I won’t be complacent or indifferent because it doesn’t directly affect me.

I will live my life so that we all can experience the equality that Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 when he wrote, “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

6. I repent for being complicit.

I acknowledge my sin of being part of the problem and not seeing your pain. I commit to turning away from my former way of thinking and turn toward God’s view of humanity. Now that I better understand the issue of racism, I apologize for allowing a system that hurts you and for participating in it. I know repentance is part of the ongoing need for restoration, in relationship with my black and brown brothers and sisters and of the church as a whole (Luke 17:3).

7. I mourn with you.

As expressed in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” I see and hear your lament in its many forms. I grieve with you, each injustice you’ve encountered personally, and the lives lost unjustly. I see the collective trauma and how it affects you and your family.

8. I’m learning.

I’ll continue to learn and educate myself through books, sermons, and personal relationships. Through these books, storytelling, and relationships, I will gain more insight into the lives of those who have and are living through racist experiences. I will seek out sermons by leaders who are called to lead and guide in this area. I understand committing to learning more will encourage and facilitate reconciliation.

9. I will not be silent, and I will carry this burden with you.

I will use my voice to speak about the sin of racism. I will use my privilege to address racism when I hear or see it. When I hear racial jokes or see inappropriate behavior, I won’t pretend I didn’t. I will point out the transgression.

10. I will teach my children and those entrusted to me, how to be anti-racist.

As I learn and grow, I will share my knowledge and wisdom with others. I won’t shy away from conversations where I can display God’s love for all his creation.

We serve a perfect God who loves His broken people. God’s loving, just, and merciful nature is our example to follow. God tells us in Micah 6:8 what He expects of us: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

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Editor’s Note:  Edited content taken from What Micah 6:8’s  Call to ‘Do Justice’ Looks Like in the Face of Racism by Brent Rinehart

Micah 6:8 ESV He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

As our nation grapples with ongoing unrest in response to racial tension and injustice, the best recourse for the Christian is to turn to Scripture. It’s important to not only read it and share it, but to allow the Holy Spirit to use it to challenge and mold us.

During these trying times, of racial tension one of the most quoted and shared passages is;

Micah 6:8 ESV He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

It is simple in its message and easily quotable. But, it is extremely challenging because it speaks directly to the heart of the racial issues we are facing today.

Essentially, the prophet Micah is saying that God is more pleased with our actions than our words. He’s more satisfied with our obedience than our worship. 

Micah mentions three things God “requires”: doing justice; loving-kindness or mercy; and walking humbly. All three actions are important, but I will only deal with justice in this post. 

What Does it Mean to “Do Justice?”

Justice might seem simple, but there’s a lot here that many of us don’t always get about the biblical concept.  When we think of justice, many of us think of a courtroom, with a judge, attorneys, witnesses and a jury. We usually just think of justice as being a punishment for wrongdoing. Someone has committed a crime, and they receive the punishment they deserve. Justice is served!

The word used for justice throughout the Bible, and in Micah 6:8 , is mishpat, and it includes this type of punishment but, it’s also more than that it also includes giving people their due or right. This is often referred to as restorative justice. It’s proactively seeking out the vulnerable and helping them.

Mishpat is used more than 200 times in the Old Testament, often to speak to the idea of treating all people fairly and as they deserve, having been created in the image of God.

Proverbs 31:9 ESV Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Here mishpat (judge) here is giving people their due, which can include protection and care.

Here's what the Psalmist says about mishpat

Psalms 146:7-9 NCV He does what is fair for those who have been wronged. He gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free. The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up people who are in trouble. The Lord loves those who do right. The Lord protects the foreigners. He defends the orphans and widows, but he blocks the way of the wicked.

This speaks of God breaking down unjust systems and restoring dignity to the downtrodden.

With this scriptural view of the word for justice in Micah 6:8 it’s clear that the meaning is far beyond just making sure bad guys are punished. If we are passively watching the plight of the vulnerable or oppressed, and giving it what amounts to a shoulder shrug, as most people do,, we are guilty in God’s eyes of shirking our responsibilities.

True Biblical mishpat is when the problems of the vulnerable become my problems. True righteousness, then, is tied to my position toward others in my community.

To fully grasp God’s desire for justice and righteousness, there are 4 things we need to recognize that relate to our current crisis of racism in America.

1.   Recognize the Worth of Every Life in Today’s World

In the beginning, “God created man in his own image”.

Genesis 1:27 NCV So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.

We were created in God's image and imprinted with a moral code and an ability to see justice.  I want to be clear about this when many of my white  brothers and sisters say “All Lives Matter” in response to “Black Lives Matter”, my response to you is of course, all lives matter to God and they should matter to us. But, right now, you need to understand the suffering of African Americans as the first step to helping us all heal.

There’s a powerful image circulating on social media of Jesus going to rescue the one lost sheep while the other 99 are behind him holding “All Sheep Matter” signs. When your Black brothers and sisters are steadily experiencing injustice and inequities, you need to speak up for them. When you really understand the intrinsic value of  human life, it’s easier to feel the pain we fill.

2.  Recognize the Need for Justice in Today’s World

Christians have no problem acknowledging the fact that we live in a fallen world where sin is prevalent, but we often can’t bring ourselves to admit that sin can infect and become a cancer in our earthly systems. No system is immune to sin’s destruction that includes the judicial system, criminal justice system, education, politics or even the church.

We live in a broken world. Any system created by man, by nature, will be tainted and rife with injustice. Once we acknowledge that, we need to develop a clear picture of who is suffering the most injustice due to these systemic failures.

We need to look at the historic data to discover how it came to be that the average Black household has 60 percent of the income of the average white household, while having only 1/10 of the wealth. Without wealth, it’s hard to send kids to college, start businesses, stabilize during loss of income and so much more.

Many systems that were put into place following the freeing of the slaves and continuing through the Civil Rights Act and beyond that actually led to the reality of these grim statistics.
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Realizing there is injustice, and then caring--is the first step to to meaningful change. 

​3. Recognize the Most Vulnerable to Injustice in Today’s World

Throughout the Bible, it is clear that God cares for the vulnerable.

Zechariah 7:9-10 NCV “This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: ‘Do what is right and true. Be kind and merciful to each other. Don’t hurt widows and orphans, foreigners or the poor; don’t even think of doing evil to somebody else.’

These are the four specific types of people often mentioned in regards to justice: the poor, widow, orphan and immigrant. These four groups of people lacked the capital, influence or power to improve their situations. They were stuck at the lowest rungs of society. They were often mistreated and abused.

Justice for the vulnerable isn’t just an Old Testament concept.

Luke 4:18-19 NCV  “The Lord has put his Spirit in me, because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor. He has sent me to tell the captives they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly and to announce the time when the Lord will show his kindness.”

He expands the four groups that I mentioned earlier, and includes the prisoner, the blind and the oppressed.  It’s clear from this that God is for the forgotten, the beat-down, the shut-out and the left-behind.

Today, it’s easy to think about other groups who are vulnerable. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve heard the stories coming out of our nursing homes and other senior living facilities. Elderly people would certainly classify as vulnerable. How about the population of people experiencing homelessness?

In light of everything that has happened in 2020, it’s imperative that we carefully examine our response to racial injustice as well. The African American community is crying out for help.  We have  been oppressed for centuries, and it didn’t end  with Juneteenth.

Our country has an ugly history.  A history one that held back many because of their race, while allowing others to benefit with a leg up.

Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote this from a Birmingham jail: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Any neglect shown to the needs of the vulnerable is just a lack of mercy or charity, but a violation of justice, of mishpat. God loves and defends those with the least economic and social power, and so should we. That is what it means to ‘do justice.’”

4. Recognize Our Own Role in Bringing Justice in Today’s World

At the final judgement Jesus describes the sheep being separated from the goats.

Matthew 25:31-46 NCV “The Son of Man will come again in his great glory, with all his angels. He will be King and sit on his great throne. All the nations of the world will be gathered before him, and he will separate them into two groups as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The Son of Man will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to the people on his right, ‘Come, my Father has given you his blessing. Receive the kingdom God has prepared for you since the world was made. I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then the good people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’ “Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.’ “Then the King will say to those on his left, ‘Go away from me. You will be punished. Go into the fire that burns forever that was prepared for the devil and his angels. I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you did not invite me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me nothing to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ “Then those people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or alone and away from home or without clothes or sick or in prison? When did we see these things and not help you?’ “Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you refused to do for even the least of my people here, you refused to do for me.’ “These people will go off to be punished forever, but the good people will go to live forever.”

Notice that this was not a private faith that He references. He says that  His true followers took action.

God’s desire for us to have an active faith. It’s clear He is not as interested in our presence in a church pew on Sunday as He is in our presence working in our community the rest of the days of the week.

James 2:17 ESV So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

The verse before the Micah 6:8 verse hits the nail on the head. “

Micah 6:7 ERV Will the Lord be pleased with a thousand rams or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Should I offer him my first child to pay for my wrongs? Should I sacrifice my very own child for my sins?

“If you are trying to live a life in accordance with the Bible, the concept and call to justice are inescapable. We do justice when we give all human beings their due as creations of God. Doing justice includes not only the righting of wrongs but generosity and social concern, especially toward the poor and vulnerable,” writes Tim Keller in his book Generous Justice

A closer walk with Christ requires us to care deeply about issues of injustice in our community and in our world. Micah 6:8 makes it clear that we need to place an active role in our community recognizing injustice and then working actively to correct it.
 

Cultural and racial diversity is important because our country, workplaces, and schools increasingly consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. We can learn from one another, but first we must have a level of understanding about each other in order to facilitate collaboration and cooperation. Learning about others helps us understand different perspectives within the world in which we live, and helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about people who don't look like us.

In addition, cultural and racial diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our own, so that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding.  Furthermore, this diversity makes our country a more interesting place to live, as people from diverse cultures contribute language skills, new ways of thinking, new knowledge, and different experiences.

Cultural and racial diversity supports the idea that every person can make a unique and positive contribution to the larger society because of, rather than in spite of, their differences. Imagine a place where diversity is recognized and respected; different ideas are acknowledged and valued; contributions from all groups and all persons are encouraged; people are empowered to achieve their full potential; and differences are celebrated. 

Unfortunately, in this country, Instead of real unity many people simply tolerate other races. They simply put up with others without any desire to actually enter into a relationship with them.  In the kingdom of God we Christians say that we are citizens of, that will never work because it is against God's will for His kingdom. 

Editor's Note:  The following is from the YouVersion Reading Plan, "Tony Evans Explorers Racial Reconciliation"  by Dr. Tony Evans and the Urban Alternative Reading.  Dr. Tony Evans serves as senior pastor to the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. The Urban Alternative is a Christian Bible teaching and resource ministry founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Tony Evans.  For more information visithttps://tonyevans.org/

Identity Theft
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Galatians 2:20 CEB I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for me.

One of the biggest challenges today, when it comes to crime, is identity theft. People will steal your identity for their own fraudulent uses. They pretend to be you and take the things that were meant for you to have. Satan is the greatest identity thief in history. He wants to rob believers of all the wonderful things that Jesus has given us. One of the ways he accomplishes this is by confusing us about our identity. This confusion is one of the reasons that racism still exists and reconciliation between races has not occurred. 

We need to stake our identity in the cross of Christ, but Satan will try to get us to pick up other means of identity like race. This is why you may hear somebody refer to themselves as a black Christian, a white Christian, a hispanic Christian, or an Asian Christian. Technically, this phrasing is incorrect because “Christian” acts as the noun and gets modified by the “racial” adjective. This would mean that race modifies who we are as Christians. 

However, our identity is in Christ. That is, our position in Christ makes us a Christian who happens to be black, white, hispanic or Asian. Identity is so important because who you perceive yourself to be will determine your actions. Our identity is to be in Christ first and everything else should fall underneath it. God does not ask people to deny their race or culture, but He asks that those things do not get in the way of our Christian commitment. Embrace your race. Embrace your culture. Be who you are, but never let racial identity interfere with Biblical truth.

Imago Dei

Genesis 1:26‭-‬27 CEB Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”  God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them.

All people, no matter what race, share a common origin in Adam. The book of Acts tells us that all people come from the same source.

Acts of the Apostles 17:26 CEB From one person God created every human nation to live on the whole earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.

To take it a step further, when we look at the creation of mankind, we also learn that the triune Godhead created us in His image. In theology, we call this imago Dei—referring to the concept that humans are created in God’s image. An image is a mirror or a reflection. This also means that everybody, regardless of their race or ethnicity, has intrinsic value and worth. Dignity is innate. All humans are born with esteem because they are created in the image of God.

Therefore, any form of racism, elitism, discrimination, or oppression is not only a social issue, but it’s a sin issue at its core. By treating a fellow image-bearer inferior because they are of a different race is sin. And if we are going to achieve unity, the first thing we must do is speak honestly. That is, we must call any form of racism, elitism, discrimination or oppression exactly what it is—sin. God can only begin the healing and unifying process when sin is addressed. Let’s begin to treat each other as image-bearers—people made in the image of God almighty.
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Biblical Reconciliation

Sunday morning is often the most segregated time of the week because we adopted a mindset of tolerance. The goal of reconciliation is not tolerance or “putting up with” another race. Unfortunately, the church remains segregated most of the time because we only gather with other races when we have to. Much of what we call racial reconciliation among Christian circles is nothing more than watered-down sociology, sprinkled with a little bit of Jesus on top so we can call it biblical. But to break down the dividing walls of race within the church, we must start with a better aim than tolerance, and that aim is biblical reconciliation. 

1 John 4:20 NIV Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen

Biblical reconciliation may be defined as addressing the sin that caused the divide for the purpose of bonding together across racial lines based on a shared commitment to Jesus Christ with the goal of service to others. 

The sin we must address is racism. If we call it something other than sinful in the eyes of God, then we no longer approach this issue from a kingdom perspective.

1 John 1:8‭-‬10 NIV If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

 Reconciliation is all about relationships. To reconcile basically means to restore to friendship. The goal isn’t just about repenting from the sin of racism, but it’s geared towards developing authentic friendships with different races and cultures than our own. Once we repent from the sin of racism, develop relationships across racial lines, then in unity, we can serve our communities. The church is supposed to be the salt and light of our neighborhoods regardless of the racial demographic.

Matthew 5:13‭-‬16 NIV “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.   “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:18‭-‬19 NIV All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.


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