Racism birthed from hatred yet a sin the church doesn’t often teach on. There are so many ramifications for keeping silent. I once asked my friends if they heard any sermon series on Racism and most replied, “No”. As I look at my timeline, I see the outrage mostly from black individuals. I’m saddened that the outcry is mostly by those who have continued to cry out for generations. I pray my caucasian siblings in Christ also grow in outrage for the lives lost. To see that people who also may be serving your same God are killed for no reason should gain response. God is not at all pleased with this injustice and hatred. For every video I watched, I saw my husband or brother and I wept in my heart wondering what would I do in response? What about my children? Even as an immigrant, before you see a Nigerian you see my color. This is America.

I fully recognize and have experienced the love of God by some caucasians. There are many who hate this sin and truly love others as their own and recognize they have the power in Christ to make a change and therefore act on it. However, this sin must be addressed in the body of Christ- evangelicals, Baptists, non-denominationals etc. It can not be ignored! Blacks and other minorities around the world are watching! The global effects of the body of Christ keeping quiet speaks volumes across the world! Both locally and globally the world is being impacted. 

I think about how everyone wants to go on mission trips. How can one preach and yet not love their own neighbor in their own country! It’s absurd. Would you love your local African American or other minority as much as you may demonstrate your love outside the border? We see mission trips where many leave America to love on others but if they came over would that same love continue? People do not want to receive the gospel as some even state it’s a white man’s religion. Imagine that false narrative birthed from the devil’s mouth. God is not pleased. Scripture says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 ESV It is the love we show one another that truly will set us apart. Make your home a mission ground and love your neighbor. 

Locally black people cannot walk outside, jog, go to parks, or congregate together without being viewed as suspects. At times, we cannot go to the store or receive good healthcare because of thoughts and some people’s displaced hearts. As a healthcare provider, I encounter the distrust minorities have with caucasians to the point where I have had silent conversations encouraging my patients. Then as a black patient, I know I have to ask more questions and be ready to advocate for myself. Statistically, I know that black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why? Because we are often undervalued and overlooked . I haven’t had a child yet and already I’m at an increased risk due to neglect. (According to statistics, but not God!!!)

As sad as this is God still tugs on my heart and softens my heart. My boiling blood is calmed as God reminds me of the words Jesus spoke hanging from the cross,”forgive them father for they know not what they do”. Though they may kill our black bodies, I am even more heart broken by something else! I know that their are people who will not see God because of their hatred in their heart towards individuals of color. The eternal separation from God. Silence can kill the body along with Spirit. As scripture States, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:20‭-‬21 ESV  Scripture also states, anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. 1 John 3:15 NIV. There is a call to action. A call to love and not just say it but live it out. An alter call for repentance for not truly demonstrating love. Love stands against injustice! Love prays for one’s enemies. Love shows mercy to the merciless. Let’s follow Jesus example! I weep for the people who may stand guilty in the pews and no one spoke to them about their heart regarding hatred. They may not even have direction in addressing this. I also weep for those who will hold unforgiveness in their hearts against them. 

As a Christian, God is offering peace. God is in control. He is still our protector. He is still our present need of help. He is still God sovereign over hearts. As the word says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Prob. 21:1. May we guard our heart from sin. May we stand in the gap in prayer. May we be willing to have open discussions in love. If we operate in anger and hatred, we are no better! May love abound all the more. May we not give in to hoarding anger and bitterness. May we be the example of the love of God.

Let love and peace reign!