Most who read this scripture applies it to giving finances. Churches use it during offering time. But what if there’s more to this than money? What if God wants us to give of ourselves in ways that turn this world upside down? With the current tension spilling out in this country because of racism, let’s return words of encouragement and not despair. Instead of jumping to wrong conclusions and reacting in your emotions, why not give time to listen and understand our cultural difference? We should shout peace and justice because God’s peace is the controlling factor in our hearts. (Colossians 3:15). And He commands us to keep pursuing peace with everyone. (Hebrews 12:14).
What if we spend more time in selfless acts of love to combat hatred and bigotry? No matter how hard it gets; love keeps no record of wrong and doesn’t harbor bitterness and anger. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). You ask how can I ask such a plea? Beloved, you don’t know my story. I have faced the monster of racism during my time as a Substitute Teacher. The Lead Teacher of a Special Education class lied to the Principal in an attempt to have me transferred to another school. She didn’t know the rapport I had with him. The reason I endured was my student. I was his Personal Aide. I saw it in the small southern town, I grew up in. I taught a white child who didn’t want to use the black checkers how valuable all people are. He saw me win using those game pieces, and listening, and applying the wisdom I instructed him how to make the best move and think before he makes them. He used them and won, and God uncovered his eyes to how beautiful black is. After that, he played with nothing but those black checkers.
Yes, that spirit is wicked and out to destroy race relations by convincing itself it’s superior to any other race. But there’s no race more powerful nor greater than any other. As I mentioned in my interview with Author Kaleda Carthran, sometimes you just have to love the racism, discrimination, prejudice, and evil out of the person. I refuse to allow anybody to turn me into anyone I am not. God never said this Christian life would be easy, but it’s a journey that can impact the world when we are Christ-like in our ways regardless if what somebody does to hurt us.
So, anybody who’s dealt with racism, give love, not hate. Give respect, not distance from someone different than you. Give kindness, not vengeance, when somebody makes life hard for you. Be steadfast in faith when you’re turned down for opportunities because of discrimination and inequality. It could be the Lord beckons us to give by standing for what’s right despite the consequences. When everybody joins in and empties more violence and ill will around the world, be the one who offers goodwill towards everybody. “So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10). The Lord knows your heart and the outcome of doing what’s morally right results in more of God’s favor coming to you. Be careful how you treat anybody because how you treat someone comes back to you.
What will you give to defeat racism?
I pray the musical selection, Together by King and Country featuring Kirk Franklin stirs your heart.
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