Dismantling the Racial Divide: 3 Biblical Ways to Affect Change

On May 25th, 2020, the world witnessed the senseless murder of an unarmed black man under the bended knee of a white officer whose duty it was to serve and protect. 8 minutes 46 seconds. Calculated. Unadulterated. Murder. 

And as heinous the crime, it is sadly too familiar. The list of black men, women, and even children killed or brutally injured at the hands of law enforcement is extensive. 

But this time, something ‘broke’. The shedding of innocent blood ignited an irreversible seismic shift in communities across North America and the world. Black people everywhere have demanded justice and their voices will not be easily silenced.

#Black Lives Matter

The ugly reality of systemic racism has been brought into focus with all parties held to account. 

And like you, I’ve watched the events unfold. I’ve cried tears of grief, experienced anger, and felt fear overtake my heart like an ominous dark cloud. 

The truth is, it is no longer ok to simply be “not a racist”, instead, we must be intolerant of racism at every level within society. 

And now a glimmer of hope. Because this time, many in places of privilege are standing up and taking notice. Pledging to no longer be silent. Pledging to be the change they want to see in the world. 

The energy is high. Emotions are real. 

But with the passage of time, the energy and emotion will wane.

The middle is messy. It is long and arduous but it is the road that takes us from where we are today to equality and justice. 

And equality and justice is the heart of God.

So how do we as followers of Jesus Christ harness this momentum and not grow weary in ‘doing good’ as we journey through the messy middle?  

Remember,

We are God’s bearers of hope

Our world is broken. And while there is a shift in the consciousness of many to do good and affect change, the work of sin and evil continues. Sustaining the pace of goodwill cannot be accomplished in our own strength.

That’s why our role as bearers of God’s hope is so important. We have His truth and love within us which we are called to let shine. When we do, our Father in heaven is glorified (Matt 5:16). 

So let’s work together in our magnificent diversity, as image bearers of God – black, white, brown and everything in between. 

Let us express His love for one another in authenticity, vulnerability, and grace.

We will make mistakes, say the wrong things, even do the wrong things as we examine our own hearts, learn, grow, find our voice, and take our next steps to dismantle systemic racism. Let us hold one another in high regard as we create a safe place to pursue the hope we have in Jesus and share this hope with a hurting world.

It starts with us. 

We are Ministers of Reconciliation

Both you and I are ambassadors of Christ. Given the message and ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:19-20).

But here’s the thing, reconciliation is not a one time action, it requires being in a real relationship with another. And this can get a little uncomfortable. Reaching out to the person that doesn’t look like us, talk like us, or live where we do, can feel awkward but so very necessary to bridge the gap that divides. 

We see Jesus do this when He meets the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). Talk about racial divide. The Jews of the day and the Samaritans hated each other. No wonder His disciples thought it pretty incredible that He would lead them through Samaria to get to Galilee. And even more scandalous for their Teacher to be talking to the woman at the well. 

But notice what happened. Jesus met the Samaritan woman in her humanity first – in relationship, before reconciling her to the deepest need of her heart – a Saviour.

In a similar way, when we go forth as bearers of God’s hope with the message of reconciliation we meet the other in their humanity first. In their pain, their fear, their frustration, their anger. 

We listen, we weep when they weep, we meet needs we can meet and lift burdens they can no longer carry on their own. 

And in doing these things, we reveal Jesus. And now more than ever, we need Jesus to heal the hurt raging in our world. 

We must be faithful in our calling

The beauty about God is –  He is God.

He is in control of all things and at work to redeem our broken world.

And He has called both you and me to fulfill the ‘good works’ He prepared for us in advance to do (Eph 2:10). This means, even now, in the midst of all that is happening – God is beckoning us to continue doing or in some cases, start doing the thing He has called us to do.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, pained, or disillusioned by the increasing evil that exists in the world, I’m reminded that God warned of these things to come. Perhaps not the most encouraging thing to hear but after He warns of the coming ‘birth pains’, He considers the wise and faithful servant left in charge of His household to feed those in his care in due season. God states “blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing” (Matt 24:46). 

So, while I cannot fix the problems of the world, I know God has given me a role to fulfill until His return. And He has assigned you a unique role too. 

So I can confidently assert…

God is raising up leaders out of the ashes to advocate for justice and equality.

He is positioning those with privilege and influence to break down barriers and those with knowledge to educate.

He is chastening His children to examine their hearts and root out prejudices so their capacity to love will be increased even more.

For every need, God has an answer. And that answer is you.

Let us then, His children, go forth as bearers of His hope, as ministers of reconciliation, remaining faithful to our calling.

And when we do this collectively, His Kingdom is expressed more and more here and now, as it is in heaven.