A Christian’s Response to Racism and Injustice
Guest contribution by Ashley Maciuk and Sarah Gagnon
In recent weeks, injustice and racism has risen to the forefront of national and international conversations, exposing feelings of outrage, heartbreak, and denial. Many are hurting, confused, and fearful. Our world is broken and yearning for love and unity.
Are we paying attention? Are our hearts also breaking for the hearts which are fearful and broken? For the lives lost? For the racism which treats a person as less valuable simply because God created them with a different colour of skin?
We, as Christians, have a very special role to play in this hurting world to stand for justice in the face of injustice.
We have all felt heartbreak. Sometimes it hurts, other times it’s numbing. In each case, we know that the Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves those that are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). We know God’s relentless and all-powerful love. God’s love conquers all, and right now the world needs the healing, unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation that only God can give.
If we are to love like God loves us, we need to stand for change. A change in how we treat others, a change in how we support others, and a change in racist behaviours and attitudes which have remained pervasive for years. While this conversation may be uncomfortable, we cannot allow discomfort and fear to silence the need to stand with those being treated as less than.
While the sight of injustice may swell righteous anger within us and fill our eyes with tears, we must be wise in how we respond. If we are to respond in love for God’s glory, we need to first turn to and humble ourselves before the One who will make all things right.
(1) OPEN YOUR BIBLE AND PRAY
In prayer, we can be honest with God; whether we are angry, sad, or confused. In John 10:14-15, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.” Truly, “[t]he Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him” (Nahum 1:7).
First, we pray that God will remind us of who we are to Him, and how we are to respond. The Bible teaches that while “the heart of man plans his way...the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Sometimes, our emotions are so strong that we put a plan into action before first seeking guidance. But in doing so, we walk out of step with our protector, our healer, and our deliverer.
Second, we pray that the brokenhearted would be comforted, and see God’s goodness and love for them. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He knows every broken heart and yearns to bring healing. We pray that as we seek justice, we will remember the refuge we have in our Lord and that we do not have to battle these challenges alone. We pray that we would be reminded that it is Him who brings healing and the transformation of hearts. We must proclaim Jesus with each action.
Finally, we pray that God would break our heart for what breaks His. One of our favourite hymns sings: “Show me how to love like you have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks yours. Everything I am for your kingdom’s cause.” We pray that our hearts would be aligned with the injustice that breaks God’s heart so that we will be reminded of the importance of action. We pray that we will be reminded that God made every person in His image with tremendous love, and gave His life so we could live (see Genesis 1:27, Romans 5:6).
(2) BE PREPARED TO RESPOND IN LOVE
Witnessing injustice can cause us to be angry, yet even in this anger, we must be careful not to be hateful. In 1 Peter 2, we are given a powerful reminder of our call to respond to suffering by following in the footsteps of Jesus:
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were like straying sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:21-25)
As ambassadors for Christ, when we speak and act, Jesus has shown us that we are to show the love, patience, and mercy of Christ. Whether we are speaking with the brokenhearted or a person of authority, Jesus is written on our hearts and must permeate each word we speak.
As a starting point, we look to scripture to understand the standard Christ calls us to:
Renew our mind in God. “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Walk worthy of our calling. “I...urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Speak with kindness and love. “Let love be without hypocrisy”, “bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse”, “Do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath”, “Do not be wise in your own estimation”; “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12).
(3) REMIND YOURSELF OF THE CHRISTIAN’S CALL TO DO JUSTICE
Our God is just and righteous. In Psalm 89:14, the Bible says: “righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you”. Continuously throughout the Bible, God reminds His people of our call to do justice in His name:
Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Proverbs 31:8-9: “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Psalm 72:12: “For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper.”
Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
When we see people oppressed, poor, helpless, or silenced, God tells us we are to speak for them and defend them according to the Word. We are to be advocates for what is just, righteous, loving and faithful. This starts in our prayers, and needs to manifest into our hands and feet to serve those in need.
The first message Jesus gave to the religious leaders of his time was that he had come to fulfill God’s call for justice:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me
to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:16-21)
He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.”
As his disciples, we have a responsibility to be his advocates for justice. However, we must remember that Christ calls us to follow his example when seeking justice. We are to pursue this calling by seeking unity, kindness, forgiveness, peace and goodness as Jesus did (see e.g. 1 Peter 2, Ephesians 4:26, Romans 12:9).
(4) RESPOND AS A FAMILY, IN THE COMMUNITY, AND TO THE GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS
The big question for Canadians right now, is what can we do? When we see racism happening around us, or experience it for ourselves and our friends or family, what can we do about it?
First, we need to respond as God’s family. In Romans 12, Paul reminds us that Christians respond by contributing to the needs of the saints, seeking to show hospitality, weeping with those who weep, and outdoing one another in showing honour. The church needs to unite in prayer over the injustice of racism, remind our brothers and sisters of our inherent value in Christ, and encourage each other.
Second, engage in loving conversations with our neighbours about the value of treating each human with dignity and respect. We should not be afraid to engage in conversations about racial inequality, especially regarding the Black community. Volunteer in centres which combat racism, or in after-school programs to be a role model for children to learn how to treat everyone with kindness. Celebrate the difference and diversity that God has made in each of us. Lead by example.
Finally, it is important to be educated on our governing law in order to know the channels to use, the constitutional rights and freedoms we are legally entitled to, and where gaps in the law may be. While far from perfect, it is a blessing to live in a democratic country. Democracies are distinguished by the use of citizen vote to develop laws, and have structures in place which aim to allow citizens to voice concerns and participate in decision-making.
However, it is important to remember the rebuke that Jesus spoke to the Pharisees:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe, mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23)
We cannot get caught up in the details of these legal avenues without remembering that God instituted these structures (Romans 13), that we are to respect and submit to these governing authorities (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2) and that we are representatives of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
We must be wise to discern whether how we choose to pursue justice violates God’s greatest commandments, to love our God and neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:26-30). Just because something is legal or accepted here on earth, does not mean it aligns with God’s form of justice, love and righteousness. This world is not our home and we are held to a higher standard by Christ.
(5) PRAY AGAIN; A POWERFUL PRAYER OF SERVITUDE
As disciples of Christ we are called to act. We must be prayerful every step of the way and listen for where God calls us to go, and what he calls for us to do. We cannot let our discomfort or fear stand in the way of standing for justice.
We are reminded of Isaiah’s eagerness to be the Lord’s hands and feet: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). God does powerful things through willing and eager hearts.
We are comforted in knowing that we do not do anything alone, and our Father equips us with everything that we need (Hebrews 13:20). He will equip us with everything good that we may do His will.
But even as we jump in eagerly, the Bible reminds us that we cannot (and should not) try to do it all. We were all created with different gifts and talents which God develops in us. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul reminds us: “Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person”. Drawing on the gifts of grace that Paul sets out in Romans 12:4-8, there are many ways that we can serve to pursue justice during this time:
Listen. We must be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). If we are to love and serve as Christ did, we must be willing to learn where we are uneducated, empathize with the heartbroken, and understand where gaps lie.
Kind Words. Words have a huge impact. When you hear racist comments being made in your circle of influence, use kindness and patience to stand up in love (James 3). Lead by example on social media to advocate for justice with kindness and grace.
Take Part in Democracy. Vote for leaders addressing systemic racism, or write a letter to your Member of Parliament urging action in the House of Commons. Hold your democratically elected officials at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels accountable.
Teaching and Learning. Read and watch media to understand the experiences of those facing racism in the Black community. Write articles and blog posts to share your experiences with others. Help others understand how pervasive racism is, and that we should not be silent.
Donations. Be generous to give back the time and finances that God has given you to contribute to efforts advocating against racism.
So, how is God calling you to respond? Will it be drawing near to the brokenhearted in prayer and hospitality? Advocating in the courts? Being a positive influence in your circle? Writing a letter or article? Donating from your financial blessings to an organization that works on the ground for change?
Whatever it is, we pray that it will all be for the glory of God as we seek to love others with the extraordinary love and grace that God gives us each day. God can do great things through us for justice, but we must remember our first love, Jesus (Revelation 2:1-7) and how he has shown us to pursue it.
Sarah Gagnon is a Copywriter from Ottawa, Ontario. She has a degree in English & Professional Writing from York University and a post-graduate diploma in Journalism New Media from Sheridan College.
Ashley Maciuk, J.D., is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Law at Western University. She will be articling at a private firm in London, Ontario this fall. Ashley is an outgoing executive of the Western CLF Chapter.
An earlier version of this article was originally published on the Equipped for Grace blog.