What Does The Bible Say About Racism
Scripture teaches that God created all human beings in his image. There is no exception to that, and being made in Gods image makes each person valuable and precious. There is no hierarchy of human beings demonstrated throughout Scripture. Jesus came so that all may be saved.
The Bible makes it clear that racism is wrong and entirely contradictory to Gods command to love our neighbors, His unconditional love, and the teachings of Jesus.
We also want to offer you a to help us keep oureyes on Christ and our hearts surrendered to Him as we trust Him toheal His people and transform our land
The Seriousness Of Sin And The Necessary Price
Sin and selfishness dont serve anyone. In fact, they bring out the worst in all humankind. God is grieved by the way we so easily turn from the spring of living water, to our own man-made cisterns that cannot hold water .
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God . We love to look at another and think, were not that bad. But all sin taints us. No one is free from its guilty marks.
We all, like sheep without a shepherd, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way. But God sent His Son to take all of our iniquity onto Himself. He chose to carry the pain and suffering that our deliberate sins cost us.
We couldnt bear the weight, so He did it. He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. He did this to bring us peace and healing.
How can believers respond to love like this?
Develop New Marketable Job Skills
The final option well discuss here is the possibility of getting more training or continuing your education to allow you to obtain the skills necessary for the more rewarding or fulfilling career of your choice. As they say, youre never too old to learn! Evening classes and online education opportunities are more plentiful than ever before. Look into mentoring programs or apprenticeships. Dont limit your options. Talk to various professional people for advice.
If you really do hate your job, do you have the motivation to learn the skills necessary to do something different? The book of Proverbs mentions the importance of continuing our education throughout life. Notice these two verses:
- A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel .
- Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser teach a just man, and he will increase in learning .
Increasing our learning takes commitment and determination. Can you go forward with that goal?
Don’t Miss: What Does Bible Say About Vaccines
The Hatred Of God In The Psalms Of David
As we read through the Psalms one of the things we have to deal with is the frequent mention of Gods hatred for wicked people.
The boastful shall not stand before your eyes you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
How do we make sense of such a statement? We cant simply say, God hates the sin but loves the sinner because that plainly isnt what the text says.
The text says that God hates the sinner.
you hate all evildoers.
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
So what do we do with that?
I suppose we could skip Psalm 5 but then we would run into the same problem in Psalm 11: The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence .
And Psalm 106: Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage .
Thats an awful lot of hate for a supposedly loving God.
And it appears to have rubbed off on David himself. David speaks of his own hatred towards sinners on multiple occasions. In Psalm 25 he says: I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked .
Other examples come easily to mind:
I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.
I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.
Perhaps the most alarming statement of Davids hate is found in Psalm 139:
Or 1 John 4:8: Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love .
Capital Punishment In The Old Testament
Capital punishment was a significant feature in the justice system of Old Testament Israel. Execution was called for in response to extreme civil crimes like murder and rape, as well as for offenses against Gods holiness, like false prophecy and witchcraft. There were mechanisms in place to avert the death penalty in some situations, and God sometimes spared the lives of people whose actions, legally speaking, would have otherwise meant the death penalty. The establishment of capital punishment in ancient Israel is often used to argue for the death penalty in modern timesand it seems reasonable to conclude that since God incorporated it into Israelite society, capital punishment is not antithetical to His nature.
The death penalty was never employed arbitrarily or frivolously. In fact, observing the use of capital punishment in the Old Testament actually shows us how precious human life is to God. Because human beings are image-bearers of God, murder was such a serious affront to both God and man that it had to be answered with the blood of the murderer. Genesis 9:6 suggests that this sense of justice is woven into the moral fabric of Creation:
Whoever sheds mans blood,his blood will be shed by man,for God made manin His image. Genesis 9:6
Christians are well aware of the atoning power of blood, believing that Christs bloodshed at his execution on the crossspares us from the spiritual death penalty that our sins would otherwise merit.
Recommended Reading: Where In The Bible Does It Say Pray Without Ceasing
A Prayer For God To Make Us More Loving
It seems like the world is out to bait a believer into falling back into sinful behavior. Todays world is full of stories about hate, and many people seem to be looking for reasons to stop seeing their neighbors as fully human. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit indwells each Christian and empowers them to do the right thing and to facilitate prayer for help Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words . Through prayer, Gods strength and love is available whenever someone needs it.Holy Father,
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.
Jesus loved every individual so much that He gave His life so they may have everlasting life. Hate, in all its many forms, becomes a barrier to the Gospel, and sets individuals against the goodness and love of God. Embracing Gods love will empower believers to love, rather than give into the temptation to hate, as well as have strength in the face of the worlds disdain.
Does The Bible Mention Race Or Racism
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands .
Scripture clarifies that there is one human race. God created humanity in His image. Yet we learn from the Bible that there are many different nations and ethnicities. These are some of the most mentioned nations in the Bible:
Read Also: What Is The Bible Say About Cremation
Reconciling Faith And Science In A Medical Crisis
Dr. Lee Warren is a neurosurgeon who has faced many heavy challenges in his life from serving in the Iraq War to removing deadly brain tumors to experiencing the loss of a teenage son. Hell share about his difficult quest to find answers to some of lifes toughest questions, while holding onto his faith in God and the sure hope of heaven
Overcome Evil With Good
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. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Jesus said to love your enemies, but thats a hard thing to do. Read this free online Bible study on how to love your enemies for practical, life-giving tips.
Don’t Miss: Does The Bible Speak Against Cremation
Serving God Begins With Forgiving Others Because He First Forgave You
You must love all and that includes those who have wronged you.
Matthew 5:43-48, You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Dont even the tax collectors do the same?And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Dont even the Gentiles do the same?Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Tactics 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions
In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. In Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition, Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations, keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful diplomacy. Youll learn how to stop challengers in their tracks and how to turn the tables on questions or provocative statements. Most important, youll learn how to get people thinking about Jesus.
Also Check: Where Does The Bible Talk About The Devil
What Are Your Options
If you really hate your current job, are you going to continue waking up daily with the thoughts of how much you dont want to go to work, or can you try to change the situation? It would seem you have these options:
- Continue to hate your job.
- Learn to accept and be content with the job you have.
- Look for a new job with the current job skills you have.
- Develop new marketable job skills that will prepare you for a different job or even a different career.
If you really hate your current job, are you going to continue waking up daily with the thoughts of how much you dont want to go to work, or can you try to change the situation?
Since youre reading this article for some answers and hope, why dont we rule out option 1? Lets briefly consider the other options.
It’s God’s Love For Man That Prompts Him To Hate Sin With A Vengeance
by Billy GrahamAugust 25, 2011
We in the church have failed to remind this generation that while God is love, He also has the capacity to hate. He hates sin, and He will judge it with the fierceness of His wrath. This generation is schooled in the teaching about an indulgent, soft-hearted God whose judgments are uncertain and who coddles those who break His commandments. This generation finds it difficult to believe that God hates sin.
I tell you that God hates sin just as a father hates a rattlesnake that threatens the safety and life of his child. God loathes evil and diabolic forces that would pull people down to a godless eternity just as a mother hates a venomous spider that is found playing on the soft, warm flesh of her little baby.
It is His love for man, His compassion for the human race, that prompts God to hate sin with such a vengeance. He gave Heavens finest that we might have the best and He loathes with a holy abhorrence anything that would hinder our being reconciled to Him.
What Does God Hate?
What does God hate, you ask? Solomon answers the question in the Book of Proverbs. We read: These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren .
What Can We Do?
*Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version.
Recommended Reading: What Does Holy Mean In The Bible
Dr Tim And Mrs Noreen Muehlhoff
Dr. Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, California where he teaches classes in family communication, interpersonal communication, apologetics, gender, and conflict resolution. Tim and his wife, Noreen, are both on staff with Biolas Center for Marriage and Relationships where he is a co-host of The Art of Relationship podcast.
Understanding The Root Of Your Child’s Misbehavior
Often, children act out because they are used to getting attention through bad behavior. Dr. Kevin Leman offers advice to help parents transform their childs behavior. He discusses the benefits of allowing your kids to learn from real-life consequences and describes the importance of understanding your childs temperament based on his birth order.
You May Like: What Does The Bible Say About Sadness And Depression
We Must Quickly Forgive Other Before Bitterness Turns Into Hatred
17. Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
18. Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
19. Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
20. Matthew 10:22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.
21. Matthew 24:9 Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.
Reminders
22. Ecclesiastes 3:7-8 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
23. Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
24. Galatians 5:20-21 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Friends Partners And Lovers: What It Takes To Make Your Marriage Work
Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another. Those are the powerful words of bestselling author Gary Thomas in his newest bookCherish. And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, it is needed now more than ever. Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words.
Newest Release – Episode 2: Heroes Providing Hope
Discover the amazing work our PRCs Directors, Nurses, and Volunteers are making in their communities! Youll see firsthand testimonies of a PRC in action, and that there are other options outside of abortions! Youll also discover how your family can support your local PRC!
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
Newest Release – Episode 4: Sometimes the Choice is Hard
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
Newest Release – Episode 3: The Power of a Picture
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
Don’t Miss: What Does The Holy Bible Say About Tattoos
Embracing Your Role As A Spouse
As a spouse, you have three roles to playa friend, a partner, and a lover. On this one-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Pastor Kevin A. Thompson explores those different roles and challenges you to live them out by investing emotionally, physically, and mentally in your relationship. As friends, he suggests we learn to play and laugh together. As partners, he equips us with solid ways to handle conflict and communication. As lovers, he offers some thoughts on how to bring back the sizzle. He shares five keys to saving your marriage: humility, respect, mercy, communication, and resilience. Youll be encouraged to intentionally invest in your marriage.
