Truth & Love.
I was running through the church’s neighborhood today, relieving stress and getting some exercise. It struck me that there was not an ounce of fear that someone would pursue me, dial 911, question me, or hunt me down. But I’m white and the color of my skin affords me the privilege of not worrying about that while out jogging. The events of the past week have opened my eyes; there are atrocities that have taken place in our nation, of which I was unaware or complacent about because my world has always stood rather unshaken and untouched by such events.
I can't ignore this hurt, pain and injustice any longer. So much has erupted recently - it’s big, it’s ugly, and it’s sad. A life has been snuffed out—and so many before him. How do we move forward?
Several thoughts come to mind as a response:
TRUTH.
Jesus said, “the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) What is the truth about what has been happening in the Twin Cities to people of color?
Prayer: Lord, help the truth to be revealed and clearly understood. Help us each to understand the truth about what we are wrestling with in our own hearts, also. Are we afraid? Help us see the truth. Are we reluctant to help those in need? Help us to see the truth. Are we more concerned about our own self than about those who are really hurting right now? Help us to see the truth. And empower us by your Holy Spirit to rise up and find the hurting and help those in need. Amen.
LOVE.
Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) Jesus summed up all of God’s requirements into these two commands. If we love God we will noticeably show love to our neighbor.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to know about your extreme, sacrificial love for us in ways that equip us to be kind and loving and sacrificial too. We don’t want to be a people who is foreign to the pain of this world. You did not stay distant but jumped into the fray of humanity and exposed yourself to real life, real toil, real hurt and pain and suffering, and eventually, a cruel and oppressive death. You understand the hurt and strangulating experience of George Floyd. You know what it is like to have people mock you and spit on you and consider you a curse. Yet you willingly went through this for us. Now we are free to live for you and represent you on this planet. Give us your Holy Spirit to live lives of sacrificial love, mercy, and justice. Give us your Holy Spirit so that we have the humility to accept the wrong that we have done, either in ignorance or arrogance. Keep us humble and truthful. Make us your representatives in this hurting city. Amen.
Blessings to all of you as you explore how this hurt is to be addressed. May God lead you to an obvious next step in your faith and in giving yourself to love your neighbor, no matter what color pigment resides in their skin.
Peace,
Pastor Al