The Plague Of Prejudice
WASHINGTON — What started as a friendly first meeting between President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa quickly devolved after a reporter asked Trump about the U.S. decision to admit white South Africans as refugees.
Trump baselessly claimed that there was a genocide against white people in South Africa, which Ramaphosa and other South Africans have vigorously denied. (NBC NEWS)
Racial tensions have plagued our planet for centuries. It seems that we cannot get past the prejudice that leads to violence and death.
The Bible emphasizes unity, love, and equality among all people, regardless of race or background. It teaches that all humans are created in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. Here are a few key biblical principles on racial harmony:
All people are one in Christ
Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The solution to racial prejudice is our Lord Jesus Christ. If the world would totally surrender to Him as Savior, and Lord, and practice His teachings of love and unity, what a different world this would be.
God looks at the heart, not outward appearance
1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Isn't that what we are to do as well?
Love your neighbor as yourself
Mark 12:31 commands, "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Our Lord Jesus not only taught about this commandment, He demonstrated it in His life, and ministry. And so should we.
Reconciliation and forgiveness
Colossians 3:13 encourages believers to "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." I read that "forgiveness is like the fragrance a flower gives off, when it is trampled." Forgiveness is never easy, but very necessary, if there is to be reconciliation in our broken relationships.
The Bible consistently calls for justice, kindness, and unity, urging believers to reject prejudice and embrace love and reconciliation. Prejudice, and racial tensions do not just exist in South Africa. It is no stranger to our global existence. But in Christ Jesus, it can be eradicated. It's high time, we pursued this path!
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