Saturday, January 3, 2015
Black Church, White Church
The news headlines are filled with racial tensions that many of us thought were behind us. Regardless of anyone's political views, we can all agree, if this is not handled properly it can escalate into a ugly mess.
Every city has many wonderful, racially integrated churches. These are the ideal communities to take the initiative to have public events that open to everyone and address the concerns that many people feel strongly about, but are not comfortable to express.
Sometimes we only learn the hard way, but prudence and wisdom is when we learn from our mistakes, from our history, from the wise men and women who were role models for the world, and most important of all, to learn from Jesus Christ who said "love your enemies and do good to those who hurt you". His teachings are about a love that restores relationships, unites people and provides room for grace to each and every one of us, when we do get it wrong. That is His way to spiritually restore our country. Debates might inform us, but love heals our hurts and restore relationships.
May we, of all races, find the way to extend grace, love and forgiveness to those who do us harm in such a way that it restores relationships, builds trust and transforms others to also embrace the ways of grace, love and forgiveness.
St. Francis of Assisi wrote that we are to preach the Good News often, and only if necessary, to use words. In other words, lead by example. These are the times when the different Christian communities should unite to solve the needs of our world.
Luke 6:27 - "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."
Mark 11:25 - And whenever you are praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Matthew 25:44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we... not help you?’ 45 “And I will answer, ‘When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me."
Every problem we face is an opportunity to show a love that heal wounds.
Jesus showed us by His example to live a life of grace and mercy.
Grace is unmerited favor.
Mercy is unmerited forgiveness.
+++
The news headlines are filled with racial tensions that many of us thought were behind us. Regardless of anyone's political views, we can all agree, if this is not handled properly it can escalate into a ugly mess.
Every city has many wonderful, racially integrated churches. These are the ideal communities to take the initiative to have public events that open to everyone and address the concerns that many people feel strongly about, but are not comfortable to express.
Sometimes we only learn the hard way, but prudence and wisdom is when we learn from our mistakes, from our history, from the wise men and women who were role models for the world, and most important of all, to learn from Jesus Christ who said "love your enemies and do good to those who hurt you". His teachings are about a love that restores relationships, unites people and provides room for grace to each and every one of us, when we do get it wrong. That is His way to spiritually restore our country. Debates might inform us, but love heals our hurts and restore relationships. Every city has many wonderful, racially integrated churches. These are the ideal communities to take the initiative to have public events that open to everyone and address the concerns that many people feel strongly about, but are not comfortable to express.
May we, of all races, find the way to extend grace, love and forgiveness to those who do us harm in such a way that it restores relationships, builds trust and transforms others to also embrace the ways of grace, love and forgiveness.
St. Francis of Assisi wrote that we are to preach the Good News often, and only if necessary, to use words. In other words, lead by example. These are the times when the different Christian communities should unite to solve the needs of our world.
Luke 6:27 - "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."
Mark 11:25 - And whenever you are praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Matthew 25:44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we... not help you?’ 45 “And I will answer, ‘When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me."
Every problem we face is an opportunity to show a love that heal wounds.
Jesus showed us by His example to live a life of grace and mercy.
Grace is unmerited favor.
Mercy is unmerited forgiveness.
+++
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