Talking to our kids about the sin of racism:
- Matt McGrew
- Jun 1, 2020
- 3 min read
Paul's instructions in Philippians 2:3 should be constantly on our lips as we teach our children how to treat others: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself." This gives us a terrific starting place in an important discussion with our children!
Teach your children that God is not a God of partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9.) And explain that we want God's communicable attributes of Justice, Kindness, Love, Grace, Righteousness, etc. to be seen in our lives!
James 2:8 reiterates the Golden Rule: we are to love our neighbors as ourselves! Notice that just above in verse 4, James calls out those who discriminate against others based on appearance or status as "judges with evil motives."
Keep in mind that a biblical Worldview says that there is only one race—of course, there are different ethnicities of the human race but generally speaking All human beings have the same essential physical characteristics and more importantly, all are created in the image of God! (see attachment for more info on the Imago Dei)
As Christians, we cannot defend unrighteous attitudes or actions:
It is a severe sin to speak in defense of a person who was in the wrong. We are to "hate evil" (Prov 18:12), and "it is not good to show partiality to the wicked" because doing so will ultimately end up "perverting the justice due the innocent" (Prov 18:5). The bottom line:
Whoever says to the guilty, 'You are innocent'—people will curse him, and tribes will denounce him; but it will go well with those who convict the guilty (Prov 24:24-25).
Verses to discuss:
1 Timothy 5:21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
Colossians 3:11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Deuteronomy 10:17 "For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.
Acts 10:34 Opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,
Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.
James 2:8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.
Consider the significance of Revelation 5:9-10 (cf. Psalm 22:27-28) as it relates to racial harmony?
Remind your children:
To always have gracious speech, seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6)
To follow the "E-4-2-9 Rule" based on Ephesians 4:29, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. "
To use Romans 12:9-10 as a guide for their attitudes and actions: "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
That Christians "should be God's instrument in bringing about racial reconciliation. We should seek to build bridges and close the racial and cultural divide between people groups and reach out with the love of Jesus Christ."[1]
The Bible teaches us that:
God created all human beings for his glory, in His own image, from one man
God purchased us for himself from every tribe and tongue by the death of Christ.
God has united us in Christ as one household as dearly loved children, in one family, a chosen race, a people belonging to God
Christ calls us to love one another as he has loved us (racial harmony)
Christ calls us to love our neighbors as we make disciples of all nations.[2]
Resources you can use:
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