Right before Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He gave us a new command.
John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This is the umbrella that all of God's children stand under. When it comes to God, there are no categories. Racial categories loses its borders under His love.
Ephesians 3:14-15 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Satan seeks to destroy the kingdom of God, and he aims to do so by division. Paul warns us of this.
Romans 16:17-18 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.
Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
This doesn't mean stick your head in the dirt like an ostrich and ignore the issues going on today. It means we can't let the problems in this world stray us away from our responsibility as Christians--to love.
I've read many comments in my Facebook news feed, even from church leaders, spewing out angry words towards Darren Wilson. I understand people are upset. I have a bachelors degree in African American Studies, I'm familiar with the historical similarities with this incident and the plight of African Americans. But my responsibilities as a Christian comes first. I was a child of God before I was African American. As a Christian God calls me to love. This means loving Michael Brown and Darren Wilson. It is love that holds together the body of Christ and once we begin to give into anger, division occurs.
Matthew 12:25 Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Ephesians 4:26-31"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
James 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
In the book of Acts, we are told about the ways the church was persecuted. One disciple, Stephen was included. After he was arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he made his plea filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 7:54-59 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen was murdered for no reason other than his love for Jesus Christ. Although he had every right to be angry for the injustice he was suffering, he instead asked God to have mercy for them out of love. This is how we must react to injustices.
After the other disciples heard of their friend's death they mourned for him. That's okay. There's nothing wrong with feeling sorrow for unfortunate events like Michael Brown's death. But after the disciples mourned, they went on to preach and spread the love of Jesus Christ.
The best way to fight any injustice is through love. Hate and anger only fuels demons, but love destroys them.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
When Jesus told us to love one another, He didn't just mean love those in your racial category, family, friends, etc. He meant love EVERYONE. This includes everyone who played a part in the outcome of Michael Brown's death and investigation. It's hard, I understand, but it's our responsibility.
Matthew 5:44-47 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Let's not get things twisted. By no means is Christianity about passiveness. Jesus didn't bother seeking revenge because He knew God would handle it. Judas ended up hanging himself. We have to have faith that God will seek justice in the matter. Forget if the criminal justice system didn't avenge Michael Brown, for the bible says,
Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Trust God. Remember the beautiful and mighty God you serve. He will defend you. We don't have to lift a finger. God will give Michael Brown's family justice. Everything works in His timing. We just have to trust Him.
Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
In the meantime, we must continue to love. Let's not let social injustices drive us to anger. We may not be a part of the crowds looting and tearing down things in the streets, but the words we speak are more powerful than any damage done at a riot. So let us speak words in tune with our mission as disciples of Christ.
To the Michael Brown family, remember this: God knows the number of tears you've cried. He will make sure none of them are in vain. Until that day comes, forgive Darren Wilson. Love him as God loves you.
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