Over the past week, many of us have been shocked by the death of George Floyd and some of the scenes from the United States. Then, before we can claim it's a problem for the USA and not us, more and more voices from within the UK and even our own city have spoken out about the racism and unjust systems within our own communities. Members of my homegroup this week shared how they and their families had experienced racism and injustice whether at work, in the community, or at school.
Scripture is clear on our response to this:
All human beings are created in God's image and are of equal value.
We are to consider everyone better than ourselves and put their interests first with no favouritism towards those who are like us or prejudice against those who are not.
Scripture recognises negative attitudes or actions toward others as sin requiring our repentance and the help of His Spirit to change.
Recognising we live in a sinful and broken world God demands his people actively seek justice for those being oppressed and confront their oppressors, whether individuals, institutions or systems and seek lasting change.
God's people are instructed to pray for God's Spirit to triumph over the principalities and powers that are using these events and systems of injustice to oppress and hold people in bondage.
Having said all that, as I've reflected on this over the past week, I've realised how large a blind spot I have in this area as a white British middle-class male. Therefore it's also up to me to educate myself and I need to pray that God would open my eyes to any unconscious negative attitudes, opinions or assumptions I may have. Let's pause for a moment and pray:
"Lord give us ears to listen graciously to the members of church and community that are hurting at the moment, to hear their experiences and heart cry for justice. Give us eyes to see the injustice and oppression that we have blind to. Give us hearts to love all equally, free from negative views or assumptions. Finally, strengthen our hands to work alongside those seeking lasting change and justice. Amen"
As we seek to be a community church when one part of our community hurts we all need to stop, learn from their experiences, change where necessary, and work together to make our church a stronger community.
Related Resources
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During the welcome to this Sunday Service, Dave Roderick shares more thoughts on recent events and prays for us and our communities.
