Blessed are the Peacemakers
Just when we thought 2020 had thrown its biggest challenges our way…
Seemingly, with one act of violence, our country has erupted into chaos. For many, this is a disconcerting and confusing time. For some of us this outcry isn’t new, and the repetition has felt like an unending cycle of unheard pain, unrecognized injustice, and an unrepentant nation unwilling to acknowledge and address its original sin.
Christians, this is the time for which we were called. It’s no accident that we live in this country, at this pivotal moment in history. And if we are called, we must know that to which we are called.
I won’t lie to you. Racial reconciliation work and bridge building is not for the faint of heart. Whenever you stand up against injustice and oppression, you will lose friends. You will make people angry. I have some trepidation even writing this today. Resistance to change is inevitable. Just remember that the second greatest commandment after loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is to love our neighbors as ourselves.
This is what that looks like:
- We are called to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers. As someone very wise once told me (Okay, it was my therapist) being a peacekeeper means avoiding conflict and placating both sides. Being a peacemaker requires entering into conflict, naming the injustice, the evil, the oppression, and feeling it publicly (also allowing others to do so) before it can be moved on.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together.” 1 Corinthians 12:26
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
- We are called to be aware.
You’ll notice in my initial statement I said, “seemingly, with one act of violence.” That was purposeful. One act of violence didn’t ignite this flame of protest. Hundreds of years and countless violent acts against Black people have led to this moment. War, lawsuits, civil disobedience, protests, riots, walkouts, boycotts… NONE of these things has brought systemic change. And many if not most white people remain blissfully obtuse to the world that People of color experience on a daily basis. As followers of Jesus Christ it is our moral and evangelical imperative to be aware of the pain and oppression of those in our midst. We do not have the luxury of turning a blind eye to injustice simply because it doesn’t directly affect us.
“And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.” Gen 4:10
- Listen.
Our friends and neighbors are hurting. True empathy enters into pain with people, shares their burden, stands in solidarity, and brings hope. We must deal with our innate discomfort with the pain of others so that they feel heard, validated, understood.
“How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you. “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore, the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails.”
Habakkuk 1: 2-4
- Educate ourselves and others.
One of the things that I’ve seen from people just waking up to the challenges Black people face in this country is asking “how can I help? What should I do?” There are many resources out there to help answer these questions. Latasha Morrison of Be the Bridge (https://bethebridge.com/) has created a Bible-based racial reconciliation organization with both materials and opportunities to get involved, along with book recommendations.
On social media, there are many leaders who have done great work, both within the framework of the church and outside of it. We are responsible for educating ourselves and then educating others like us.
- Be actively against racism.
This is not a time for passivity. Truthfully, I’ve seen Christ followers bolder in their willingness to preach to atheist strangers than to call out racism amongst their friends and family.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Isaiah 1:17
- Pray as much for justice as we pray for peace.
No one likes violence. No one enjoys chaos and the disruption. However, we must be more outraged at the abuse of power, and the inequity of the dispensation of justice and punishment because that is offensive to God and should be offensive to us.
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.”
Psalm 89:14
- Trust that God is in control, that He will use our advocacy and love for our neighbors to usher in justice and peace for HIS glory.
Here is the LORD’s answer to Habakkuk: “Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”
“Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, Now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs.” Psalm 12:5
God, we pray for the people of this country as we reckon with the sins of our past and present which have brought harm upon our Black brothers and sisters. We ask for forgiveness for our apathy in regard to their oppression and pain. Give us courage to advocate lovingly and boldly on behalf of justice. Heal our land, Lord Jesus. Amen.