Racism is based in fear—fear of differences. In light of increased terrorist attacks since fall 2001, fear has overtaken many people, and often their hyper-vigilance takes its toll.
For example, now more than ever, people from the Middle East or of Middle Eastern descent are constantly being hassled and searched every time they pass through airport security.
The scandal concerning the maltreatment of prisoners of war in Iraqi prisons is another example. While vigilance is a necessary part of counter-terrorism, vigilante justice is not.
Whether Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern or Native American, we were all created in God's image. As born-again believers, we also have a divine calling on our lives—one that does not include discriminating against others because of their ethnicity.
Racism is a form of strife. It causes unnecessary divisions and irreparable damage to others. It is a tactic used by the Devil to divide and conquer so that you never reach your expected end.
As Christians, you and I cannot allow racism to keep us from fulfilling our destinies in Christ by reaching out to those who need Him. Instead of fueling the fires of racism, we have been called to quench it with the water of God's love.
Combating Racism
The most effective way to combat racism is to ensure that you reflect the love and nature of Christ. Love always conquers hate. Love can penetrate and affect the coldest, most calloused heart. When you are walking in God's love, you choose to believe the best about others and refuse to let insecurities keep you in bondage.
You don't internalize the hateful words and actions of others, and neither do you fear that every negative encounter you experience is based on the color of your skin or who your ancestors were.
To cultivate love, you must dig into God's Word to find out His nature, and then actively employ those facets in your everyday life. Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 list exactly what love is and how it is made manifest.
By making a conscious effort to walk in love daily, you exhibit God's love—His forgiveness, power and willingness to become involved in our lives—toward others. This love will draw them closer to Him, instead of the stereotypes promoted through the media.
Whatever you do, don't get frustrated and quit the mission God has given you because a few people want to remain ignorant. Focus on the big picture and continue to build yourself up in your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20).
When you pray in the Spirit, you keep yourself in the love of God (Jude 21). Remember, love bears anything and everything that comes its way; it never fails (1 Cor. 13:7-8 AMP). Therefore, if love never fails and you keep yourself in love, then you too will never fail, even when hate is in your face.
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