He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
It might be an understatement to say that the atmosphere in our country today is tense. The issues that we are dealing with today stem from years of injustices, ignorance (willful or otherwise) misunderstandings, and teaching incomplete histories. As a country we have watched as innocent men have been murdered because of the color of their skin. We have watched peaceful protests turn into violent riots. We have watched as countless stories have emerged of our black brothers and sisters being discriminated against and attacked. We have watched our country divide over whether these instances are systemic or isolated. So what now? While I cannot even begin to pretend I have all the answers, I think the Bible can offer us a starting line for moving forward in Micah 6:8.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
What does God require of us in this season, and in all seasons? He requires us to do justice. Regardless of whether you believe racism is a systemic issue or not, or even if you do not believe the deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbury were even racially motivated, God requires that we do justice. We expect the men who were responsible for these atrocious acts to be held accountable, while also praying for the redemption of their hearts. We are called to make sure that all men and women can feel and be safe, regardless of the color of their skin. He requires us to love kindness. We need to learn how to disagree on issues, and still show the same loving kindness to others that God shows to us. He requires us to walk humbly with Him. This means acknowledging that none of us has all the answers or understands the full scope of an issue from another person's point of view. Pray and ask God for wisdom. Ask him to reveal bias or misunderstanding in your heart. Treat others with enough respect to ask them why they think a certain way about an issue. Ask them what their personal experiences are that have led them to those conclusions, and pray that God would give you wisdom, love and understanding for the other person.
My Prayer for You Father I thank you that you are a God of justice, kindness, and unity. I ask that you would humble us. Give us the wisdom to acknowledge our limits in understanding. Give use the courage to stand up for justice. Give us understanding where we lack understanding. Unite us, even in our differences.
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