The events of the last several days in America have been disturbing. George Floyd was needlessly killed while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is a heartbreaking tragedy and we pray for his family and loved ones and for justice to be served.
But this event has become about more than just George Floyd. It has opened up the conversation again about civil rights and racism in America. These conversations need to be heard through peaceful protests or other methods provided for and protected by our Constitution. The unfortunate reality is that peaceful protest have been turned, by some, into complete anarchy. Looting, destroying public property, attacking police officers and other innocent people is not a form of peaceful protest. It is criminal activity. Now more innocent lives are being hurt and lost as the toll of this tragedy continues to grow.
Hatred, division, and racism have no place in our nation and certainly have no place in the Church or within the heart of a Christian. The Bible is clear that we are all precious in the sight of God; regardless of skin color or any other distinguishing characteristic. Jesus died for sinners. He died for the sins of the whole world, not just certain races, classes, or groups of people. We are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) in the "image and likeness of God" (Genesis 1:26). John the Revelator saw a great multitude that could not be numbered "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping in Heaven before the Throne of God (Revelation 7:9). There is no segregation in Heaven and there is no room for hatred, division, or racism before His Throne or in His Church.
Sadly, the events of this past week demonstrates just how far America has fallen from the plan of God. We have become a Godless society. Instead of the Godly spirit of love, joy, and peace, our nation is consumed with hatred, anger, and division. And it is not just over this event. This event has just brought it to the surface.
What can we as the Church do? First, we can make sure that racism has no place in the Church or within in our individual hearts. We can reach out and share the love of Christ with everyone, regardless of our differences. Second, we can pray. We can pray for those who are affected by racism and other forms of hatred. We can pray that their voices can be heard peaceably. We can pray for the innocent who have been caught up in the chaos. We can pray for those who are continuing to hurt others. We can pray for the violence to stop. We can pray, "God, heal our families, our communities, and our Churches." We can pray, "God, heal our nation!"
God, Heal Our Nation
The events of the last several days in America have been disturbing. George Floyd was needlessly killed while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is a heartbreaking tragedy and we pray for his family and loved ones and for justice to be served.
But this event has become about more than just George Floyd. It has opened up the conversation again about civil rights and racism in America. These conversations need to be heard through peaceful protests or other methods provided for and protected by our Constitution. The unfortunate reality is that peaceful protest have been turned, by some, into complete anarchy. Looting, destroying public property, attacking police officers and other innocent people is not a form of peaceful protest. It is criminal activity. Now more innocent lives are being hurt and lost as the toll of this tragedy continues to grow.
Hatred, division, and racism have no place in our nation and certainly have no place in the Church or within the heart of a Christian. The Bible is clear that we are all precious in the sight of God; regardless of skin color or any other distinguishing characteristic. Jesus died for sinners. He died for the sins of the whole world, not just certain races, classes, or groups of people. We are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) in the "image and likeness of God" (Genesis 1:26). John the Revelator saw a great multitude that could not be numbered "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" worshiping in Heaven before the Throne of God (Revelation 7:9). There is no segregation in Heaven and there is no room for hatred, division, or racism before His Throne or in His Church.
Sadly, the events of this past week demonstrates just how far America has fallen from the plan of God. We have become a Godless society. Instead of the Godly spirit of love, joy, and peace, our nation is consumed with hatred, anger, and division. And it is not just over this event. This event has just brought it to the surface.
What can we as the Church do? First, we can make sure that racism has no place in the Church or within in our individual hearts. We can reach out and share the love of Christ with everyone, regardless of our differences. Second, we can pray. We can pray for those who are affected by racism and other forms of hatred. We can pray that their voices can be heard peaceably. We can pray for the innocent who have been caught up in the chaos. We can pray for those who are continuing to hurt others. We can pray for the violence to stop. We can pray, "God, heal our families, our communities, and our Churches." We can pray, "God, heal our nation!"