Racism is the ugly human instinct to fear, hate, or avoid people because their culture or skin color is different from our own. Racism has been a driving force behind numerous bloody wars and peacetime atrocities. Its corruption has broken friendships, set members of families against each other, and created deep divisions in the body of Christ. The word “racism” as we know it today did not exist in Bible times. People groups were conceptualized differently, and skin tone normally wasn’t the primary factor. Still, racism is a subject that Scripture addresses.

 

Genesis makes it clear that all humans are created in the image of God, a reality that calls us to treat all people justly and fairly. Sadly, this truth is often ignored, and throughout history we see instances of fear, hatred, and oppression based on race, including Egypt’s enslavement of the Israelites in the Old Testament. Yet God continued to make his love for all peoples known. In the Old Testament, God promised that all nations would be blessed through Abraham and his descendants, Israel. In the New Testament, God fulfilled that promise, offering salvation not only to Israel, but to all people everywhere through Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, themes of racism and reconciliation play a significant role—and in our modern day, understanding those themes is increasingly important.

 

Some atheists and skeptics point to the conquest of Canaan and claim that the Christian Scriptures support racism, genocide, and slavery. In our modern world, politics make the already sensitive topic of racism even more volatile. Diving into the subject of racism is challenging—intellectually, interpersonally, and emotionally. It takes time to understand this concern well, but it is worth it. When we pursue racial reconciliation and understanding, we help advance God’s Kingdom—a kingdom where people “from every nation and tribe and people and language” will worship Christ together for eternity (Revelation 7:9-12)

What does the Bible say about racism?

 

Genesis 1:26

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

 

All of us are descended from Adam and Eve and equally made in God’s image. This concept is called the Imago Dei (image of God), and it is established in the Bible’s very first chapter.

 

1 Samuel 16:8

"Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."

 

James 2:1

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."

 

Whether we favor people based on wealth or race, discrimination of any kind stands in blatant contradiction with the Good News revealed through Jesus Christ.

 

John 4:9

"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans."

 

John 4:27

"And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?"

 

John 4:39

"And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did."

 

Samaritans had a half-Jewish ancestry and believed in God, but some of their beliefs about God were unorthodox. Centuries before Jesus, the Samaritans tried to prevent the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem during the time of Ezra (see Ezra 4). In response, the Jews shunned them, and hatred between the two groups had festered for centuries. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, she questioned why Jesus would even talk to her. Jesus’ disciples were shocked as well! But Jesus made a point of crossing that racial divide with all its cultural and theological messiness.

 

Luke 10:33

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,"

 

Jesus confounded his listeners by making a despised Samaritan the hero of one of his most famous parables.

 

Ephesians 2:14

"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"

 

Colossians 3:10-11

"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: [11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

In the early church, the great racial controversy of the day was between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). Over and over, Scripture makes it clear that racism is in violent contradiction with Christ’s desire for unity in his church.

 

John 8:39

"They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."

 

Romans 2:28-29

"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: [29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

 

Galatians 3:7

"Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."

 

Many Jews in the first century placed their confidence in their race and heritage, rather than in God himself. They were proud to be descendants of Abraham and felt entitled to God’s blessings. That racial pride caused them to miss the heart of God’s good news: it is a gift offered to all, accepted only by faith.

 

Acts 11:1-3

"And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. [2] And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them."

 

Acts 15:5

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

 

Acts 15:19

"Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:"

 

Galatians 3:8

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

 

The early Jewish believers carried on the traditions God gave their ancestors, including circumcision and Jewish dietary laws. Many assumed that in order to honor and obey God, non-Jews would have to become Jewish and follow their religious laws. But God’s desire was not for the entire world to become Jewish. His desire was for the entire world to know him through his Son, Jesus.

 

John 10:14-16

"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. [15] As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

 

Romans 1:16

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

 

Galatians 3:8

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

 

Jesus was sent to the Jews first, but not because he didn’t care about non-Jews (Gentiles). God promised to Abraham long ago that, through his descendants, the Jews, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). In John 10, Jesus described how he was the good Shepherd, and he used that imagery to foretell how he will bring even Gentiles into his flock and unite all peoples as one.

 

Galatians 2:11-13

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. [12] For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. [13] And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."

 

Peter knew that Gentile believers were his brothers and sisters in Christ. However, it had long been Jewish custom to refuse to eat meals with Gentiles. When certain Jewish believers pressured Peter, he stopped eating meals with Gentile believers—and soon, other Jews withdrew as well. Paul publicly denounced this racism as a contradiction of the message of the gospel.

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-21

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."

 

As an evangelist, Paul understood the difference between cultural traditions and Christian truth. He followed the Jewish law when witnessing to Jews—not because God required it, but because it showed respect and consideration for the consciences of the Jews he witnessed to. When Paul witnessed to the Gentiles, he didn’t follow Jewish laws. That way, the gospel was plain and clear, without any cultural obstacles. The one thing Paul never changed was his obedience to the law of Christ. His evangelism methods never required him to sin. We should all follow Paul’s example in preaching a gospel that is both accessible to all peoples and true for all time.

What is racial trauma?

 

Exodus 1:11-14

"Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. [12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. [13] And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: [14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour."

 

Exodus 1:22

"And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive."

 

Racial trauma is trauma that happens because of someone’s connection to a particular race, such as the trauma the people of Israel experienced in Egypt. Trauma can result from a single event, such as losing a child. Trauma can also come from repeated events, such as being treated as inferior and overworked day after day. Such traumas affect each person who experiences them in different ways, and those traumas can create wounds that are passed on for generations.

 

Exodus 14:12

"Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

 

Numbers 14:3-4

"And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? [4] And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."

 

Trauma can warp our perceptions related to who we are. Sometimes, we put ourselves in situations where that trauma can continue because it feels natural and familiar to us. After the people of Israel were freed from slavery, they didn’t know how to live in their freedom. They doubted that they could become anything different, even after God had led them safely out of Egypt. Racial trauma can become paralyzing, and unhealthy racial stereotypes become a part of one’s identity. This is called “internalized racism.”

 

Luke 13:1

"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices."

 

Acts 1:6

"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"

 

Racial trauma can come from our own personal experience, but it can also come vicariously through the trauma of others. Trauma can be triggered, such as by watching a video or hearing someone else’s story. A trigger prompts mental and emotional reactions related to a trauma. Any trauma, including racial trauma, can be passed across generations. Even something that happened decades or centuries earlier can be deeply ingrained in a current generation’s psyche.

 

Matthew 10:2-4

"Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; [3] Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; [4] Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him."

 

Everyone’s trauma, including racial trauma, is unique and experienced in different ways. Matthew’s response to the oppression of the Romans was to join them in oppressing his own people in order to gain wealth and security. Simon, in contrast, became a zealot—a fierce Jewish nationalist who resorted to violence to oppose Roman rule. When they met Jesus, both Matthew and Simon radically rethought how they had been responding to their people's trauma.

In what ways might I be unintentionally racist?

 

Galatians 3:28

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

Race is more than skin tone. It’s a culture. It’s a context. Some well-meaning people claim they are colorblind and don’t see race. Unfortunately, that mindset often leaves a message of “I don’t acknowledge the significance of your culture. I just enjoy it when you fit into my culture.” People in the early church came from wildly different cultural experiences. A Roman soldier had a very different life than a Jewish woman. A Greek scholar had little in common with a “barbarian” from Scythia (modern-day Ukraine). Paul’s letters don’t deny the cultural differences within the body of Christ. Instead, Paul acknowledges those differences, yet highlights how we are still one body, together.

 

Luke 10:30-33

"And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,"

 

When someone is very different from us in appearance and in culture, we might feel anxious about interacting with them. It is easy to pass by such people in our daily lives. In the case of the good Samaritan, that man had very good reasons to be anxious. Jews hated Samaritans! Yet the good Samaritan still went out of his way to care for the injured Jewish man. Our racism might not be rooted in hatred, but simply in anxiety and unfamiliarity. A good way to overcome racism is by tolerating our own discomfort and crossing the road to interact with people different from us.

 

Acts 10:15-29

"And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. [17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, [18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. [19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. [20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. [21] Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? [22] And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. [23] Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. [24] And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. [25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. [26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. [27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. [28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. [29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?"

 

Peter grew up in a Jewish culture that forbade eating with Gentiles. It took multiple visions and repeated prompting from the Holy Spirit to prepare Peter to meet with Cornelius, the first Gentile convert. We, too, may need several promptings and experiences to become comfortable interacting with people of another race. Seek out such experiences: Watch a movie, read a book, join a bowling league with people of a different race, or visit a church that’s primarily of a different race than you. Stepping outside our comfort zones can have great benefits—just ask Peter.

 

Acts 15:5-11

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. [6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. [7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. [8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; [9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. [10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? [11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

 

One way we might unintentionally slight people of other races is by expecting them to fit into our own culture’s norms. Many Jewish believers thought that Gentiles had to become Jewish in order to be good Christians. Peter, Paul, James, and other early church leaders firmly opposed this, and for good reason. When we force brothers and sisters in Christ to conform to our culture in order to fellowship with us, we are hindering the growth of the body of Christ.

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-22

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. [22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

 

Forcing others to adopt our culture is a form of racism; so is our refusing to adjust to someone else’s culture. When we respect and appreciate others—their heritage, their food, their customs, their way of life—that shows we care about them. And when people feel cared for, that opens their hearts to our witness about Jesus.

 

Leviticus 19:33–34

"And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. [34] But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."

 

Matthew 28:19

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

 

Sadly, it can be easy to donate to mission work for people in a distant culture, yet feel uncomfortable or even hostile when people from that same culture move in down the street. Our money and our prayers can make a great difference in peoples’ lives, but our love is put to its truest test when we live it out face to face.

What can I do about my racist tendencies?

 

Romans 12:9

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

 

Trying to be politically correct and avoid offense is too low a bar. To overcome our ingrained racial biases, we must intentionally choose to love and appreciate those who are different from us.

 

Proverbs 12:1

"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."

 

Matthew 5:23-24

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

 

Accepting correction is wise. However, seeking out correction is wiser. Don’t just rely on others to call out your racist tendencies—actively learn how you can do better. Ask questions. Read articles. Watch interviews. Ponder Scripture. Then take what you learn and live it out. This approach is called a “growth mindset,” and it’s a healthy habit for many situations in life.

 

Romans 12:16

"Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

 

Racial harmony starts with getting to know people. Spend time with people of other races. Listen and learn in humility. Such friendships help our hearts and minds to grow beyond our prejudices.

 

Acts 20:21

"Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-21

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."

 

It’s okay to acknowledge racial and cultural differences. In fact, it’s helpful. Paul counted Jew and Gentile as equal brothers and sisters in Christ, yet he also adapted to their different cultural contexts. For instance, he followed Jewish ceremonial laws when he was in a Jewish culture, and he ate meals with Gentiles when he was in a Gentile culture. If we claim to be colorblind and refuse to acknowledge the differences of other cultures, we will never get to know or understand each other at a deeper level.

 

Esther 3:5-6

"And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. [6] And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai."

 

Haman’s hatred of Mordecai led him to seek the destruction of all Jewish people. We must be careful never to make assumptions about a group of people based on our feelings about one person in that group. We often form opinions about an entire group of people (a racial group, a nationality, an occupation, members of a church denomination or even a club at school) based on the actions of one individual. Everyone should be approached as an individual, a person loved by God. We need to constantly check ourselves for blind spots and biases.

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

Ephesians 2:19-21

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:"

 

While understanding differences is important, understanding what we have in common bonds us together: a shared hobby, a similar sense of humor, a relatable parenting experience—or, most significantly, the same hope in Christ! When we identify these points of connection, we are able to build bonds while still respecting our differences.

 

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

 

Galatians 6:7-9

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

 

Changing our thought patterns and correcting our biases takes conscious and repeated effort.

 

Acts 11:2-3

"And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them."

 

Galatians 2:11-13

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. [12] For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. [13] And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."

 

Often our racist tendencies are ingrained in us through the culture around us and reinforced by peer pressure. Something as small and simple as eating a meal with a Gentile was against common Jewish practice at the time. Like Paul, we should challenge racist peer pressure boldly. That sets a clear standard for us and others, and it helps people who may be targets of that racism.

 

John 10:16

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

 

1 Corinthians 12:15

"If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?"

 

1 Corinthians 12:27

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

 

The good Shepherd has many different sheep. The body of Christ has many different parts. All believers belong to Christ—and without each other, we represent him to the world in an incomplete way. Overcoming racism helps everyone in the family of God to experience a sense of belonging on this side of eternity.

How can I overcome and heal the hurt I have experienced from racism?

 

Psalm 4:2

"O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah."

 

Psalm 6:7

"Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies."

 

Psalm 35:15-17

"But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: [16] With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth. [17] Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions."

 

Lamentations 3:49-50

"Mine eye trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission, [50] Till the LORD look down, and behold from heaven."

 

Many heroes in the Bible experienced injustice and cruelty from their enemies. In response, they grieved. They cried out. They expressed their pain to God and called for him to act. This practice is called lament. The first step to overcoming the hurt we experience from racism is acknowledging our hurt honestly before God.

 

Proverbs 6:16-19

"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

 

Isaiah 1:17

"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."

 

Acts 3:14

"But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;"

 

God hates injustice. When we are grieving and angry over the injustices of racism, he is too. Jesus himself experienced a corrupt trial and an unjust death. Know that God doesn’t just see your hurt—he feels it, too.

 

Deuteronomy 24:17-18

"Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: [18] But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing."

 

Deuteronomy 32:7

"Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee."

 

Scripture doesn’t only record the parting of the Red Sea. It also records the years of bondage in Egypt. It’s wise to remember and learn from history, even the painful parts. When the Israelites became their own nation, their suffering in Egypt was to become a source of empathy toward others—a reminder to provide others with the justice their ancestors were denied. It also became a reminder of God’s power and deliverance. Racial history may be painful, and that pain should never be swept aside or forgotten—it should be faced honestly and processed. This is how we learn and grow.

 

Matthew 5:4-10

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

 

Romans 8:38

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,"

 

Racism takes things away from you—but racism can’t take away your position with God through Christ. Remember that the One who matters most loves you. He died for you, and he has given you something no one can take away.

 

Isaiah 1:17

"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."

 

Romans 12:19

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

 

Luke 18:7-8

"And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? [8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

 

There is a difference between pursuing justice and pursuing revenge. Justice is change for the better. Revenge inflicts pain to get even. God calls us to pursue justice, not revenge, and he promises that he is the final Judge. There are some injustices that humans ignore or even perpetuate. Despite our efforts, change is often slow or incomplete. In such instances, pray—not as an alternative to action, but as a guidance for your action. Ask God for wisdom in how to respond to injustice, and trust that he is acting against injustice too.

 

Matthew 5:44-48

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

 

Acts 7:59-60

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

 

In directing his followers, Jesus didn’t stop by calling us to avoid revenge. He called us to love our enemies! Stephen, the first martyr, prayed for his enemies, even as they were killing him. Such love is incredibly difficult—but incredibly powerful. It plants a seed that can break through the hardest soil.

 

Acts 8:1

"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles."

 

Acts 9:1-2

"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, [2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem."

 

1 Timothy 1:15-16

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."

 

Saul, more commonly known as the apostle Paul, led the charge in murdering and imprisoning the followers of Jesus. Yet God changed him and used him in incredible ways. No matter how badly we have been hurt, we cannot put certain sins—and certain sinners—outside the reach of God’s grace.

 

Matthew 5:43-45

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

 

Matthew 6:14-15

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

 

Romans 5:8

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

 

People in our world view forgiveness as something that belongs to us—to give or withhold as we choose. Hating our enemies is considered good and natural. But Jesus flipped that on its head. He forgave us when we had done nothing to deserve his grace, and he did this at great cost to himself. He calls us to do the same for those who have hurt us. When you forgive a racist, you are not saying that racism is excusable, that your hurt is not real, or that you are willing to put yourself in a position to be harmed. Ultimately, forgiveness is about a change in your heart. It is choosing to pray for their repentance rather than for their downfall. In this way, we imitate the love our heavenly Father shows to us.

 

Acts 7:59-60

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

 

Stephen was brutally murdered. Yet Stephen forgave his murderers even while they showed no sign of repentance. Don’t wait for the world to admit it is wrong before you start the process of forgiveness. Don’t wait for people to say they are sorry—that may never happen. You already know racism is wrong. God knows, and God sees the wrongs that are done to us.

 

Proverbs 13:20

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

 

John 13:15

"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

 

1 Corinthians 11:1

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

 

Racism is complex, traumatic, and difficult. Surround yourself with people who are working hard to live well in all aspects of their faith—people who have wrestled with their pain but have chosen forgiveness over bitterness; people who are bold in standing up for justice without falling into hatred. Learn from them how they imitate Jesus, and strive to imitate Jesus too.

 

Ephesians 4:31-32

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

 

Philippians 1:6

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

 

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

 

Sometimes, it feels like peace and reconciliation are impossible. Our bitterness is too deep to allow us to forgive, and the hatred shown by others is too deep for them to unlearn. Take comfort that God is not finished with you-AND He is not finished with them, either.

What does racial reconciliation look like?

 

2 Corinthians 5:18-20

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

 

Colossians 3:11

"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

 

God wants all people to reconcile with him and with one another—and it is our mission to make this message known. If we only witness and fellowship with people of the same race and culture, we are missing a foundational aspect of God’s Kingdom. Racial reconciliation should start among believers within the church.

 

Matthew 5:23-24

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

 

1 John 4:20

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"

 

Reconciliation isn’t an optional priority. It’s an urgent call—a way of living out our love for God himself.

 

1 Corinthians 9:20-22

"And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. [22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

 

Reconciliation starts with respecting each other’s cultures. This may mean eating unfamiliar foods, learning new social conventions, worshiping God with different people, using different music and worship styles. When we make an effort to engage with another person’s culture and follow their lead, we will start to understand them better, and they will feel more comfortable being themselves around us.

 

James 2:14-16

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? [15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"

 

If you are part of an oppressive or offending group, don’t be afraid to acknowledge racial offense—even if it may be unintentional. But also realize that an apology may not be desired or well received by someone who has been hurt. Sometimes, apologizing for racism is just a way to deal with feelings of guilt without it leading to any real action or change. Authentic love means living out our apologies and taking part in real and healthy changes in society.

 

Exodus 1:13-14

"And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: [14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour."

 

Lamentations 3:20

"My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me."

 

Lamentations 5:1-2

"Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. [2] Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens."

 

Romans 12:15

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

 

Colonization. The African slave trade. The Holocaust. There are many events in history that impact race relations today. When someone’s heritage has suffered deep tragedy, minimizing that tragedy is not a path to reconciliation. Instead, listen. Empathize. Validate. Show your love and respect for a wronged person by mourning with them.

 

Matthew 18:21-22

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

 

Colossians 3:12-13

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

 

Reconciliation can be messy. People from different cultures and experiences often don’t understand where the other is coming from, which makes it easy to offend each other. Reconciliation isn’t about just forgiving past wrongs—it’s a choice to work through current struggles too.

 

Matthew 18:15

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."

 

Luke 17:3

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

 

Reconciliation isn’t passive—or passive-aggressive. It requires open, honest communication about what is and isn’t healthy for a relationship. Reconciliation takes all sides working together, and that can’t happen if one side is blind to what they are doing wrong.

 

Matthew 10:16

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

 

Matthew 18:16-17

"But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

 

Sometimes, reconciliation takes a mediator. Even then, reconciliation isn’t always possible with an individual offender, and boundaries must be set. Jesus calls us to be innocent and kind, but he also calls us to take precautions against wolves within the flock.

 

Matthew 5:44-48

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

 

It’s easy to love a trusted friend—someone we are comfortable with, someone who has supported us. But it’s hard to love someone who makes our lives uncomfortable. God’s love isn’t conditional or earned. He calls us to imitate that love, even when we don’t receive love in return.

 

Revelation 7:9-10

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

 

We will spend eternity with believers of every nation and language. Let’s make every effort to learn to love each other here on earth.