Race Relations: Christ’s Response

With Martin Luther King Day fast approaching, one can’t help but think of the many issues regarding race that plague our nation.  And they do plague our nation.  But I think there is an answer, and the answer lies in loving each other, and in having compassion-on all sides.  Both of which Christ calls on us to do.

There are so many in this community who have experienced first hand what it was like to have a mother who is very ill, or a child, and yet could not bring them to the best available hospital simply because of the color of their skin.  Can you imagine?  I can’t.  If my child was sick, and they have been, there is absolutely no question that we would bring them to the very best place we could to get them help.  I truly can’t imagine not being able to get my children, or my Mom, the best possible care simply because of the color of our skin.  How horrific!  How horrible!  I can’t even imagine!  So for this, and many other issues, as white people we owe our black brothers and sisters an apology.  Did we do it, no.  But no matter our innocence, someone should apologize.  It’s not nearly enough, but it is what we can offer.

There is another step to solving the issues of race relations.  It’s that some of our brothers and sisters who happen to be African-American need to learn compassion for us as well.  Many already have that, some don’t.  As a white person, I can assure you that I have challenges that I face every day!  I hope my African American brothers and sisters understand that just because I am white does not mean that I don’t suffer.  I do.    Christ called upon each of us to love one another.  He didn’t say, “love those who are like you”.  He said, “love each other”.  Jesus doesn’t see the color of our skin.  Nor does He see the many other ways we divide ourselves.  He doesn’t see political parties, or economic standing or neighborhoods. He just sees us, each one of us.  And He loves us, each and every one.  And so should we