Racial Unity

Unity in God. The phrase alone holds power. Everyone knows that feeling of being a part of something bigger, knowing that you’re needed, yet such a small part of the whole. The Christian body is like that. God allows us to be a part of showing His Kingdom in Heaven here on Earth- something way bigger than us alone. In fact, unity is a vital part. With all of the light that has been shed on racial inequality lately, I’ve begun to dig into what God’s Word says about it, and almost every verse that is applicable draws on this idea of unity. I’m going to let it speak for itself, because His words are far better than any of my own, but be sure not to skip over the central theme of unity.

• “From one man He has made every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth.” - Acts 17:26
• “He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” - Ephesians 2:14
• “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” - Leviticus 19:34

God is the ultimate example of all of the things we crave: love, peace, hope… and unity. We are all sinners, but God provided a way for us to be united with Him. When God created Adam, He then created Eve. Why? Because two is better than one. Jesus makes it very clear that we are supposed to love anyone and everyone during our time here on earth- and not just by claiming to from a distance. Jesus spent quality time with so many of the people He ministered to, including the Samaritan woman at the well (who had had many husbands), the woman who had been bleeding for years and was considered unclean (which caused Him to be “too late” to save Jairus’s daughter, whom he then rose from the dead), the blind man begging on the streets (whom everyone considered a part of the side of the road and nothing else), all of his disciples (of whom would: doubt his power, deny him 3 times in one day, and even betray him during his final moments before death). The list of people that Jesus hung out with that were considered “less than” or even just “different” goes on and on. So many of Jesus’ miracles aren’t even given full descriptions in the Bible, but from the ones that are, we can clearly see Jesus’ tenderness. I heard someone on a podcast describe Jesus as tender, and the word has yet to leave my mind every time I read the scriptures about his encounters with people. Jesus manages to speak to every person, no matter what their circumstances are or what their choices have been or what it looks like to the people around, and he speaks truth into them with such tenderness (even sometimes harsh truths!).

So much of what is floating around related to racial injustice on social media and in conversations with friends and family is spoken from a place of anger, bitterness, and pride. God has been showing me that we are to seek out these conversations, but to speak with tenderness and with our focus on the end goal of unity. The Bible tells us, “If you show partiality, you are committing sin” (James 2:9) and commands us to “make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19). I think how each of us combats racial injustice may look a little different, but who we go to as an example and where we go to for answers should be the same. Personally, I am continuing to ask God to reveal the prideful parts of my heart, as well as the areas that I am negligent of my own racism. I also am referring back to God’s word for clarity when questions arise, and I am asking for help to overcome my fears of having tough conversations and for guidance when I do have them. Whatever steps you are taking towards resolving the issue of racial injustice, remember that our example is Jesus, who is tender and spends quality time with His people, and the end goal is unity, just as we have as the body of Christ through Jesus.

More Bible verses:

• Galatians 3:26-28
• Genesis 1:27
• Acts 10:34
• Acts 10:28

Author | Hallie Turner