Scripture says Black Lives Matter

“God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them“ Genesis 1:27  

Jarvis Williams, a black Christian pastor who writes for Christianity today, states that this passage affirms that black lives are created in the image of God.  “Black Lives Matter” is based on a spiritual truth about black people.

“The Lord our God does not tolerate injustice, partiality...“ 2 Chronicles 19:7

Or injustice, disrespect, lack of dignity, prejudice.   God hates racism.  We must eradicate it.

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel:16:7

This does not mean to be color blind. God loves color! Look at our colorful world! Each person has much inner value. Let’s get to know folks inside and out.

“As believers in our Lord Jesus....you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance.” James 2:1   

“The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself”. Galatians 5:14 

Treat everyone with dignity and respect, just as we want to be treated. 

Many recent and tragic events in the United States involving African Americans have put systemic racism front and center and there is no turning back. We need to be unsettled, frustrated, startled and unnerved to action by the new “in our face truths”.  We cannot turn our backs, be complacent or ignore the realities of black people in our country. Jobs, education, health care, safety are all negatively impacted for black people. 

In June, Eastridge’s Outreach Committee sent out a 21-day Equity Habit Building Challenge.  The readings and videos were very informative and I highly recommend them as a way to learn more about the reality of white privilege, and systemic racism. They tend to unsettle your conscience and lead you to do better.  We need to be a bit uncomfortable in our white skin. 

Prayer: Father God, author of all love and mercy, send comfort to us in our time of frustration and unrest at the state of racism in our Country.  Guide each of us to dig deep to discover our own solutions to the problem and to follow your Word.  Please guide our leaders to make positive decisions that will effect real change and will end violence and ensure that all of us have a fair chance in all matters.

Connie Barry