How should Christians understand and respond to the current state of racial tension in the United States? The first step is to listen.
Talking Points:
- Racial divisiveness has not gone away, and it is a topic Christians need to address.
- The first step toward healing is listening both as individuals and as a society. Often, people “listen” so they can give a rebuttal instead of listening to understand and empathize. James 1:19
- Many black men are taught to “just come home” when it came to interactions with police officers. This is not a situation many white men ever have to experience.
- Humility is necessary for real listening; it is important to hear before you are heard. This is where true understanding and empathy begin.
Discussion:
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Did anything about this conversation make you uncomfortable? Explain.
- Have you ever “listened” to give a rebuttal, either in conversation or to something in the media? Explain.
- Read James 1:19-20. What is one practical way you could put this verse into action in your life as it relates to issues of race?
- What are some ways you’ve observed racism to be a continuing issue in the U.S.? Explain.
- Has a police officer ever asked you, “Why are you in this neighborhood?” Explain.
- Do you “freeze up” when a police officer comes behind you in traffic or on the street? Why or why not?
- How do you think your answers to the previous two questions might differ from those of people of other racial or ethnic backgrounds? Explain.
- Read Galatians 3:27-29. What do you think Paul means when he writes, “all are one in Christ?”
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This is part 1 of 3 in the Steps to Racial Healing series.
