There is no doubt that racism exists in and out of the Christian church. How can we overcome? Rev. Billy Graham nails it on the head for us as the Christian. "Racism is sin. Period".
Those of us who are "white" followers of Christ, really need to
understand that we have no idea how deep the wounds are ingrained in our
black brothers and sisters families. It goes back generations. We can't
tell them just to "get over it". Especially in Montgomery and the
Greater Montgomery area, we are to love our brothers and sisters of
color and reach out in love. Don't try to understand because we have
never gone through what their families (of many generations)have gone
through because you can't. Instead, ask questions, learn to empathize
and walk beside those who have suffered great injustices.
FOR
ALL OF US----we can remember that through Christ, we have a bond like no
other. We can ALL overcome our prejudices IN Christ. As our brothers
and sisters in Charleston showed us, we need to always be ready to act
in kindness, care and support toward each other even when terrible acts
of hurt and maliciousness are pointed toward us. Let us be examples in
Montgomery, AL to the world that we can LOVE and LIVE together BECAUSE
of Christ.
I John 2:11
"But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness" .
"But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness" .
Prayer Points:
1. Read Psalm 139:23-24-Ask the Lord if there is anything in your heart that needs to be removed that would cause you to not fully love others who are different.
1. Read Psalm 139:23-24-Ask the Lord if there is anything in your heart that needs to be removed that would cause you to not fully love others who are different.
2. Pray that our churches will be cleansed of
any racist thoughts we might have both individually and corporately.
There is NO ROOM for racism in the Body of Christ....none!
3.
Pray that as we live our lives, go to work, go to church, go
shopping....wherever we are, that we will treat ALL people the way God
intends, as a beautifully formed creation of His. Treat others the way
YOU want to be treated.
Rev. Alan Cross(pastor at Gateway Baptist) wrote a great book on Racism
in the Southern Christian church. You might want to pick up a copy and
read it.
Here is the link.
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