I don’t understand racism. And I don’t say that because I’m a white female and have never experienced it. I just don’t get why the color of a person’s skin should have anything at all to do with how they are seen or treated. We’re all humans made in God’s image, after all. But I realize that not everyone believes that...and as long as people are without a basis for valuing others, racism will continue to be a thing.
Today is the celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the church marked by the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell in all believers. That day, people of many nationalities famously heard the Gospel in their own languages. It’s not merely that it was publicly preached for anyone who happened to be able to understand it. No, God supernaturally made sure everyone could understand, clearly demonstrating that His heart is for all people, no matter where they come from, how they speak, or what they look like. The Holy Spirit came to all who believed.
If there’s one place on earth that racism and any other kind of prejudice should be nonexistent, it’s in the church. As if our common humanity is not enough, we share the presence of God Himself. I wonder, how might our relationships be affected if we took time to remember the Holy Spirit’s presence in one another more often? Perhaps we would surprise the world with a love that sees more than the outside.
...maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit...one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:3-4, 6