Racism: A Societal Sickness

Racism - A Societal Sickness

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Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:20-21 (ESV)

I am a huge fan of the Star Trek (movies & TV) series, Star Wars films, and Marvel films. Of course, like many who are fans of these franchises, you love the action and the knowledge of good conquering evil. But what I have noticed in all of these films, is that they are accepting of various individuals who look different from one another. There is no looking down at another person because of their skin color, their physical size, their hair texture, their religion, their culture, etc. Mostly the physical or cultural differences are not discussed, and the only concern would be one's character or the intent of an individual or a group. These films embody the sentiment Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of years ago in his famous I Have a Dream speech: “ I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. “

The definition of racism is basically when a group or an individual feels they are superior to other people whom they consider inferior due to their looks, their religious beliefs, their cultural/ethnic differences, their political leanings, etc. I firmly believe that racism is a societal sickness that infects many people around the globe. Most of the ones infected with prejudice and racism were brought up in an environment where that type of thinking and behavior was encouraged. From an early age, people who were raised by racist, parents or caregivers felt emboldened to degrade others who did not look like them or have the financial means that they might have.

God is extremely sad and hurt that His children would behave in such a manner towards one another. He is not shocked however, from Bible times until now, there have been individuals or groups who feel they are superior to others. Unfortunately, this has been a common thought process throughout history that is a devastating, sinful, and sick humanistic trait. God created every human being on the face of this Earth, and no one is superior to the other. God is the author of the diversity of His children as well as the entire planet! He may not agree with various lifestyle choices however; He does not condone His children practicing racial prejudice or racial discrimination against one another.

God calls for us to love and care for each other. Now that may come in various degrees, depending on the relationship you have with the other individual. However, all of us can behave as He would like with empathy, kindness, and respect towards each other. Even though we might have differences and may not agree, He still expects civility between His children. As God’s Word states: “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (John 7:24). And in Acts 17:26 He also says: “And He made from one man every nation of humankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

As you go through life, you will meet these individuals and when you do, look to inwardly pray for them remembering they are filled with darkness and hatred. May your prayer be that they will come out of their darkness, and into the light of God’s love and grace.

Blessings,

Angélique

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