Dear Parents,
Our nation has a tattered history of race relations and has struggled to appreciate its diversity. Growing up in this country, we have been folded into America's history and understanding of race. Why does this matter to Christians? Because the heart of the matter is about God, who made all the races of humankind. Perceiving others negatively based on their skin color is not only hateful to the individual but also disrespectful to God.
As an artist paints a portrait, so God has painted a colorful world as God desires it to be. When we are critical and judgmental, we dishonor God. He has woven humanity into a diverse and colorful tapestry and he loves to look at this masterpiece. I Samuel 16:7b says "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Jesus never judged anyone based on race, gender, looks, or status. He felt comfortable in the presence of fishermen, tax collectors, rich, and poor. He saw everyone's potential and never scorned people because of their past. His approach was not to look at appearances but to see their hearts.
Ask your child...
Do you have attitudes or actions that could be considered racist?
Challenge your child...
Prayer...
God, teach us to see similarities as well as differences. Show us that all people are alike, because we are all human and blessed to be like you. Amen.
Our nation has a tattered history of race relations and has struggled to appreciate its diversity. Growing up in this country, we have been folded into America's history and understanding of race. Why does this matter to Christians? Because the heart of the matter is about God, who made all the races of humankind. Perceiving others negatively based on their skin color is not only hateful to the individual but also disrespectful to God.
As an artist paints a portrait, so God has painted a colorful world as God desires it to be. When we are critical and judgmental, we dishonor God. He has woven humanity into a diverse and colorful tapestry and he loves to look at this masterpiece. I Samuel 16:7b says "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Jesus never judged anyone based on race, gender, looks, or status. He felt comfortable in the presence of fishermen, tax collectors, rich, and poor. He saw everyone's potential and never scorned people because of their past. His approach was not to look at appearances but to see their hearts.
Ask your child...
Do you have attitudes or actions that could be considered racist?
Challenge your child...
- Step back and examine your life and your way of thinking.
- Consider all the ways you see your family or close friends being racist, then compare you attitudes and actions to theirs.
- Consider the ways you may discriminate, even when you don't intend to.
- Then try to change the ways you respond to others. Jesus accepted everyone. Skin color and nationality did not matter to him.
Prayer...
God, teach us to see similarities as well as differences. Show us that all people are alike, because we are all human and blessed to be like you. Amen.
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