There has been a lot of discussion lately on race relations in the United States. Many discussions have been unhelpful. There are those who would seek to divide and provoke rather than seek unity and healing.
In Luke 10:25-29, there is an interesting exchange between Jesus and a young lawyer. In response to the lawyers question, Jesus told a parable (Luke 10:30-35).
In His parable, Jesus chose a Samaritan as the hero. That was an interesting choice. Jews and Samaritans hated each other. They had been at odds since around 930 BC when Israel split into two kingdoms (1 Kings 12:1-19), Israel to the north and Judah to the south. Jerusalem was the capital of Judah and Samaria was the capital of Israel.
As followers of Christ Jesus, I am persuaded that we should love one another and submit to one another just like Jesus and the Apostles teach (1 Peter 5:5).
It is my firm belief that racism is a lie straight from Satan himself. The thought that anyone is better or different or superior in any way because of what color they are is ridiculous. What can divide people and make them ineffective faster than hate? What can steal the joy of your salvation and kill your focus faster than hate? In Christ, there is no black or white (Galatians 3:27-29).
We are one in Christ Jesus. We are the bearers of His light, pointing to the hope He holds out to us. Let us remain focused on that.
Our enemy is smart. He can wrap a lie up in a beautiful package (1 Peter 5:8). Our wise Father has given us His word and His Holy Spirit to help us recognize the dangers. He has given us everything we need to protect ourselves from the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18).
We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Period.
God is AWESOME!
