Racial reconciliation: Pursuing unity in a divided world
People in protest. (Photo by Life Matters from Pexels)
Black Lives Matter! Crisis at the Border! Asian Hate!
These are phrases that have become staple news in the media nowadays.
America is called the "Land of the Free." It is an expression that reflects the belief in the United States as a nation that values individual freedom and liberty. This notion is deeply rooted in the country's history and founding principles. The phrase originates from the lyrics of the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," written by Francis Scott Key, which includes the line "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
Yet a significant portion of America today is embroiled in many beliefs that depart from the principle that "all men are created equal."
According to a survey conducted in 2023, "53 percent of Americans believed that the bigger problem of racial discrimination in the United States was people not seeing racial discrimination where it does exist. In comparison, 88 percent of Americans who were Black shared this belief."
Now, the daunting feeling is increasingly apparent when we chase after reconciliation and unity in a world deeply cracked by racial tension and bias. Yet consider the Christians. This notion isn't merely about catering to societal demand. Instead, it paints an essential picture of living true to the faith's core edicts.
Throughout the pages of the Bible, there is an abundance of passages that advocate for love, unity, and fairness towards every person, regardless of their background or nationality.
Galatians 3:28 boldly proclaims, There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.." This verse effectively dismantles the fundamental pillars of racial bias, underscoring the common humanity and spiritual parity that all individuals possess in the eyes of God.
So, how can Christians translate these principles into concrete actions promoting racial reconciliation in their communities and beyond?
Unifying a divided house
"If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."
Our nation hums with the melody of diverse cultures, a vibrant tapestry woven from countless threads of race and experience. Yet, like a discordant orchestra, division threatens to drown out the harmony. We find ourselves at a crossroads, yearning for the unifying crescendo promised in Mark 3:25
This verse isn't just a religious decree; it's a blueprint for unity etched in the fabric of humanity. Imagine our nation as a grand orchestra: each racial group, an instrument with its unique timbre and tone. The music loses its depth and richness when we isolate ourselves, clinging to our melodies. However, when we bridge the divides, recognizing the inherent value in each instrument, a symphony emerges – powerful, moving, and capable of transcending our differences.
The path to unity needs to be paved with silence or assimilation. It demands active listening and appreciating the stories woven into each other's cultures. It requires seeking common ground and celebrating shared values like justice, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. It means amplifying marginalized voices, ensuring every instrument gets its solo – not for dominance, but for harmony.
Jesus was emphatic about unity. The Bible encourages us to comprehend that unity is far from a static state; it's an active mission. It compels us to leap past what we find comfortable and launch ourselves into meaningful collective dialogue. It celebrates differences while intertwining them into the fabric of harmony.
Let us heed the verse's call: Pursue racial reconciliation in a divided nation. Let the love of God transcend and defeat all forms of racial hate, discrimination, and prejudice in the land.