Responding to Racial Tension

For 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

I am grateful that I grew up in a very diverse neighborhood and had parents that instilled in me the importance of respect and honor for all ethnicities. Many times, I recall having guests in our home whose skin color or cultural background were unlike mine. Actually, it was a highlight to discover God’s family is diverse and that every person is important to God and should be treated with respect and love.

I admit that I was shocked when I discovered in my teen years that there were systemic racial tensions that existed in our culture. I struggled to believe that some people resented and even detested others from a different race or culture. Sadly, I discovered that this underlining sinful attitude was even prevalent in some churches.

One of the most moving moments in my adult life was attending a Promise Keepers event in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 43 thousand ministers of all backgrounds and persuasions came to gather under the banner of “racial reconciliation.”  The healing steps that were taken to build bridges and breakdown walls of systemic racism in the church and culture were powerful. I never forgot it. Over the last few weeks, I have continued to check my own heart regarding the current division and detestation that has consumed so many in our nation. I honestly believe this is a huge opportunity for God’s people to provide genuine expression of healing, hope, and help. We must continue to pray for the healing of our land. 

We have seen the ugly work of the enemy in the hearts of people. It is time for us to see the glorious work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people. Join me in asking God to turn the hearts of our nation to Him.