How the Gospel of Grace Speaks to Race

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In recent years there have been numerous incidents that have stirred up racial tension in America. Many black men have been killed by police officers, and as we grieve each of these situations, we are given the opportunity to respond with a godly perspective.

Examine Yourself

Before we begin blaming the world, we first need to examine our own hearts and work through whatever existing prejudices we may have. We need to be honest with ourselves about the negative stereotypes that we are believing about different races. As a church, we also need to think about how the gospel we preach speaks into racial situations. In what ways might we be feeding into, or ignoring, racial issues? What kind of unwillingness to bend for the sake of unity may be happening within our own hearts? Racial issues are tough to work through, but the church has a responsibility to address these situations within ourselves first, and then with those around us.

Be an Example

When racial tensions arise in the world, we as Christians should not shy away from them, but rather address them through the gospel. In the midst of our grievances, we need to embrace the new platform that we have to speak about the gospel of grace. Jesus said that people will know we are his disciples by the way we love one another. Unbelievers will see Christians in unlikely friendships and know that it is because of Christ that we can have those genuine connections. The gospel creates a kind of unity that is fascinating to unbelievers.

John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

Call People to Know the Perfect Judge

Through these acts of racial injustice, we have an opportunity to share what God says about authority and justice with the world. These issues can stir up anger and confusion, but we can remind ourselves and others that God is the perfect judge and that in his timing everything will be made right. As long as there are sinners there will be corruption among authorities. Most cops are good cops, but they are all sinners like everyone else. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn when even our authorities are corrupt. There are terrible injustices in the world today that we should grieve and fight, but the hope of the gospel is that there exists a perfect authority and there will be perfect judgment.