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Challenging Conversations About Racism

My hope for today is that these words may be a clarion call to Christians to let the truth of God’s Word and the love of Jesus be our guiding and sustaining light to strip away any superiority, hatred, or racial division in the Christian community. Peter openly declared to the scattered and persecuted church, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and . . . it begins with us” (1 Peter 4:17).

Racism is wrong because it is a human evil that has its roots in demonic activity that seeks to violate the very nature and dignity of the human soul. And if left unchallenged, racism will compromise any form of unity and harmony among people. 

I don’t think you have come this far in order to fail to act. I trust that God will use you in a mighty way to cultivate real relationships with people of different ethnicities and to stir up more conversation on how to bring racial restoration to your church.

Here are five steps that will help you jump-start a conversation with someone about racism and hopefully start the process of racial restoration:

1. Recognize your own biased heart.

2. Facilitate an open and nonthreatening conversation.

3. Establish parameters to circumvent getting too political.

4. Actively listen and learn about the person’s upbringing and background.

5. Look to Jesus Christ to eliminate racial inequality and tear down any walls of hostility.

Christians don’t get to pick whom to love and whom to hate. When you say you love God, you are also saying you love people from every nation, ethnic group, and language. Whether you are white, black, or brown—as a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20), you are to love your fellow brethren. How can you not love someone simply because they have a different skin tone than you or come from a distinctive culture unlike yours?

It’s difficult to predict how a conversation about racism will turn out, but as long as you love that person (the way Christ loves you), it will be a step toward racial reconciliation. In the raging war of ideas today, you will face many uphill battles with others. But when you do, keep marching and practicing the words penned by the apostle Paul: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14).

Start with yourself; confess before the Lord where you have not honored another because of race and ask Him to forgive you.

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