3 Things Christians Can do About Racial Injustice
SharePinEmailWhat can Christians do about racial injustice? Through Jesus’s life and teachings, we see three clear actions Christians should take. This is a guest post. Christians Have the Power to Make a Change The past few weeks have taken its toll physically, mentally and emotionally. Living with overt and covert racism is exhausting on a…
What can Christians do about racial injustice? Through Jesus’s life and teachings, we see three clear actions Christians should take.
This is a guest post.
Christians Have the Power to Make a Change
The past few weeks have taken its toll physically, mentally and emotionally.
Living with overt and covert racism is exhausting on a normal day – without having to factor in a global pandemic.
Having to witness a dying man’s last moments and explain to my adolescent black son the recent videos is something no mother wants to do – but black mothers and fathers have to have these difficult conversations every day with their children.
It has also been a period when I have truly learnt to lament.
I have had to have some very raw, real, and revealing prayer time with God.
Righteous anger consumed my body: seeing a man that could be my father, brother, son, uncle, or cousin begging for his life and witnessing his last moment’s on earth, broke my heart, and crushed my spirit.
Related: How to (NOT) Talk About Race With Your Children
I am frustrated that in the year 2020, black people are still fighting for equality, having to shout that ‘black lives matter’ but worst still with all the footage, statistics, and anecdotes – I have had enough of trying to convince people that racism still exists.
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
What Can Christians do about racial injustice?
1) Pray
As Christians, we know the power of prayer.
Therefore, speak to God about racism, persecution, and injustice in the world.
Only God has the power to change hearts and overcome evil – cry out to God and let Him know that His children are suffering.
If the injustice of others never really concerned you before (possibly because it didn’t impact you personally) ask God to soften your heart and open your eyes to other people’s pain, so that you can pray and intercede on the behalf of others.
“Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”
Hebrews 13:3b
2) Speak Up and Speak Out
It is unacceptable as Christians to see injustice and remain silent.
God has instructed us to speak for those who are being crushed, persecuted, or struggling due to poverty or helpless due to societal structure.
Not only does He instruct us to speak up and speak out, but to seek justice for those individuals.
This may mean speaking up when a colleague makes a derogatory mark, questioning a family member’s racist views.
You can sign petitions, donate to causes or take part in peaceful protests – if you are a church leader or business owner make it clear where you stand – now is not the time to be silent.
“If one member suffers, all the member suffer with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:26a
3) Get Informed
Racism is the only crime, where the victim is told it is not so.
Where the victims are expected to be silent about their feelings, yet teach the perpetrators how to fix it – not anymore.
We live in a world where there is a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips – so use the internet to find resources in the form of books, blogs, or a TED talk to understand the impact of historical events as well as current systemic and institutional racism.
Related: Are You Ready to Talk to Your Kids About Racism?
With a better understanding of how racism impacts other people’s daily life, it will encourage you to learn more – so that you can do more and make a difference – seek and you will find.
What it means to “Love Your Neighbor”
Finally, when Jesus instructed us to love our neighbors as ourselves, this meant not thinking that you are better than them, you must speak up for them and make sure that when wronged they get justice.
So, do your part – Speak up and seek justice for those persecuted and ostracized.
”Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
Proverbs 31:8-9
This was a guest post.
Charlene is a single mother to an awesome, inquisitive, and energetic preteen son!
Like many single parents, Charlene never planned on being a single parent, but as they say, when life gives you lemons make lemonade.
She is the founder of Father to the Fatherless, God placed it on her heart (and she’s learning to be obedient) so she created a support network for Christian and non-Christian single parents (especially mothers) striving to raise their little (and big blessings) through a challenging but valuable season, as well as encouraging positive discussions about single parenthood.
When she’s not teaching secondary school students you’ll find her exploring woodlands, checking out the latest YouTubers with her son (for research purposes obviously), and trying to master the art of Powerhooping!
You can connect with Charlene on Instagram @fathertothefatherless_