"I can’t believe this. Where is the president? What if (fill in the blank)?" We read, hear and say many of these things, especially after a crime is committed and justice or reaction does not come as fast as we prefer. An incident this week involving the attack of a white man by black people is a recent example. While the suspects have since been charged with a hate crime, I’m not here to talk about white and black. I’m here to write about people hurting people. And until more of us view it that way, we will never be the people God calls us to be.
For starters, God does not show favoritism, partiality or respect to people (2 Chronicles 19:7, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11). We should not either. People are people, created in the image of God. Because of sin, mankind is separated from God. It started long before we were born, but that is the way it is and the only thing that will bring us back to God is Jesus. Christ says as much:
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Jesus also commands us to love our neighbors:
“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:36-40).
When we keep these commandments, we are showing respect for God:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
The next time you read, see or hear a news report about people hurting others, do not view it as white or black or black or white. Overlook the fact that it’s male versus female or female versus male. See it for what it is: people on people crime. Then, when you inevitably hear other people talk about it, take that opportunity to share with them why it’s wrong regardless of the skin colors or anatomical features. If they ask “What do you mean?” or “Why do you say it like that?” answer them. That is an opportunity for you to spread the gospel. That is a chance for you to share truth and apply scripture. Doing nothing will only guarantee the problems continue. Meanwhile, never doubt the power of the Holy Spirit. God can do wonders. And He loves all people – red and yellow, black and white. They are all precious in His sight. That’s why he gave us Jesus, a man who dined and conversed with sinners. He still does. I know, for I too am a sinner. I may be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but I’ll never forget where I came from. As for where I’m going, I plan to have as many people follow me as possible. You should too. But we must first do His will and tell others about Him:
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
