A Black Christian Response To Racism

I get it. Talking about racism can be uncomfortable. As a black Christian woman, I am very much aware of the reality of racism. It is not a figment of people’s imagination, nor is it something that ended years ago. The sin of racism is still very prevalent in our world. So how do I respond as a believer in Christ? Should I sit and stew in anger and allow bitterness to grow in my heart? I cannot and will not let hatred consume me. I can’t and won’t allow the enemy to win. It’s in times like these that I must press into God’s presence because the reality of what’s going on can steal my joy. As I have been spending time with God, He has been reminding me of truths that are a healing balm for my soul during this volatile time. He has reminded me I am in covenant with Him, so while some in the world may hate me because of the color of my skin, I don’t have to succumb to that hate because I am loved with an everlasting love by the creator of the universe. This truth doesn’t erase my pain as a black Christian woman, but it causes me to rise above it! God has also been reminding me that this world is not my home. We live in an evil world, but as a child of God, I am looking for a greater city whose builder and maker is God. In this city, there will be no more crying, no more injustices, no more hatred! This hope keeps me from sinking into a place of despair. As I wait for this day I pray, and I encourage all my brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same.
Many can dismiss all that is going on because it is not their reality. This approach can be even more hurtful to black Christians. If we are all a part of the body of Christ, you should hurt when I hurt, even if my experience is not yours. With all that said, I also don’t believe the church should have the same approach as the world. We should not be caught up with performing for the cameras and putting on false displays of unity in public because it is the “Christian thing” to do. God is not interested in our productions. We cannot fight a spiritual war with carnal weapons.  Yes, we should have those tough private conversations with our brothers and sisters in Christ, asking uncomfortable questions, being vulnerable, admitting to what we don’t know and understand. The point of the conversation should be to bring understanding where it is lacking and provide a safe place to voice our hurts. It is not about making one group feel guilty while making another group feel like they are complaining about minor issues. But we must not stop at talking, we must prioritize prayer! Talking can only accomplish so much while prayer can bring down strongholds. In prayer, God gives us wisdom on how we as the church should respond. It is unfortunate because many believers are looking at the news and social justice groups to know how to respond during this time. WRONG ANSWER! We gain wisdom from God, not from man’s wisdom. Authentic prayers prayed from humble hearts birth real unity, brings healing, and helps us to maintain the proper perspective.

Be Blessed

Anika