| One of the most divisive
problems in the world today (as well as in Christianity) is the
issue of racism. Racism is defined as "a doctrine or feeling
of racial antagonism, with reference to supposed racial superiority
or purity; racial prejudice, hatred, or discrimination"
(Webster's New World Dictionary, p. 611). Unfortunately, many
Christians will face the final judgment with this horrific sin
to bear. Of all the many different religions that exist, Christians
should be the least racist group of people in the world. Christianity
is based on love, specifically the love God has for mankind.
Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Notice that God
gave His Son for "the world," and that includes all
men, women, races, and ethnicities. Let's consider some reasons
why racism is such a terrible sin and how we should all strive
to avoid it and teach others to do so as well. 1. Racism is a direct insult to the love and wisdom of God. In the Beginning, God created man in His own image (Gen. 1:26-28). All of mankind has descended from the same man and woman. When any person, or group of people, single out a particular racial group because of the color of their skin, gender, or financial condition they are placing themselves on a plain higher than God Himself. The Bible clearly teaches that God is not partial to any man, or group of men, when it pertains to their salvation. Peter told the house of Cornelius, "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Act. 10:34-35). 2. Racism has always been a problem in Christianity, and it is one that will bring the wrath of God on those who practice it. The first century Jews were extremely racist toward Christians, and even some Jews who converted to Christianity continued to display racism by demanding parts of the Law of Moses be obeyed. Their racism led to intense persecution. The apostle Paul spoke of this when he said, "For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbiding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost" (2 Thess. 2:14-16). Being a child of God does not give us the right to treat others with hatred or contempt. 3. Christians are commanded to love one another, and racism makes that command of God impossible for the racist to follow. Jesus said, "You shall love your neighbor" (Matt.5:43). Our neighbors include everyone, regardless of their color or social standing. The doors to the Kingdom of God have been opened to all of mankind. The Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. The apostle John wrote, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:11). He went on to ask, "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen" (1 John 4:20)? Love for every man should reign in the heart of every Christian. -Ed |