Racism, Protests, And Love!

June 4, 2020

Protests, Lost Ways, And Love!

On Memorial Day, a police officer forcibly put his knee on the neck of George Floyd.  The officer’s purpose was to restrain and arrest George.  While George pleaded for help, the other police officers on the scene did nothing to intervene. 

Tragically, the attempt to restrain George in this manner ended in George’s death.  While George lay in the street gasping for his last breath, the officer’s knee was still applying pressure to George’s neck.

I don’t pretend to understand all the dynamics that led up to and took place on the street in Minneapolis on Memorial Day.  I don’t fully comprehend the oppression, intolerance, and racism experienced by so many people, especially those like George whose skin color is black. 

What I do know is that oppression, intolerance, and racism are thriving in our country and in our world today.  I listen to the passionate pleas of George’s brother, I watch many protestors quietly call for justice and peace, and I cringe sometimes as looters destroy property. 

I am listening and learning and praying. 

I am keenly aware that it is time for a change of heart and mind and soul.  George’s death has released pent up impatience with the way things are; there is now a much greater sense of urgency. 

There has been too much pain for far too long; it is not surprising to see the explosion of anger.  The results of generations of racism are erupting on the streets of our cities and towns. 

We have lost our way!  Not all people are seen as children of God.  Not all people experience God-honoring justice.  Not all people are loved and accepted like Jesus loves and accepts them.  It is time for change. 

People of all races, ethnicities, and status are demanding a change of heart, a change of mind, and a change of soul.  The way we relate to one another, think about one another, and value one another must change now. 

We have lost our way!  We no longer seek the Truth who is Jesus and we choose to not love one another like Jesus loves us.  In our own homes and workplaces and schools, there is far too much abuse, injustice, and prejudice.  It’s time we found a new way to live with one another. 

In John 13:34 Jesus says; “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.  Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”  The new commandment…the Jesus’ way…is to live and love like Jesus lives and loves.  This new way of living and loving involves every person of any race or any status.

We observe Memorial Day to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives in military service to protect our freedom and insure the promise of equality.  It seems a bit ironic that George died on Memorial Day without experiencing all of the freedom and equality for which each man and woman in the military died.  I pray that George’s death might help us restore the promise of freedom and equality for every person.

Sadly, we have lost our way!  The good news is that Jesus comes as the way to an abundant life in which we can all be set free from the shackles of sin; especially the sins of oppression, intolerance, and racism. 

When we live and love every person like Jesus loves every person, every person will be set free.  When that happens, we will delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug

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