Celebrate Hope: Looking Back Stepping UpSample

Facing the Mirror

For God does not show favoritism. - Romans 2:11

Anger. Pain. Frustration. Fear. Numbness. My Black compatriots and I listed our deep feelings about horrifying discrimination against Black people in the United States. Yet those feelings couldn’t deter our passionate efforts toward positive change. Protests that promote equal civil rights continue because so many people have felt the sting of racial hatred. It’s no secret. But Genesis 1:27 reminds us that God made all of us “in his image.” Black lives are created in God’s image—beautiful. 

Our unique, colorful skin colors are only one expression of God’s image. God’s creativity for His divine purposes, however, doesn’t give preferential treatment to anyone based on a face in a mirror. What matters most to Him is the content of each person’s heart. He gives us each the opportunity and responsibility to bring His heavenly truth to Earth, to everyone we see. And to do good and love one another. In Romans 2:6–7, we see that God “will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” 

If God shows no favoritism, then why should we? The solution to racism begins with each of us taking a look at ourselves in the mirror and asking God, What can I do for the good of others? How can I love? Powerful change begins in our heart and affects the souls around us. —Justin Morris

What can I do to turn the tide toward justice today, and how do God and His wisdom fit into my plans? 

God, help us to look into the Scriptures, understand that discrimination does not come from You, and love our neighbors, all created in Your image. In Jesus’ name, amen.