HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 282
page A280
Racism & Prejudice See also Dignity; Equality; Fairness; Judging
Others; Neighbors; Poverty; Rejection
Racism is the ugly human tendency to fear or hate someone because their color or culture is different from our own. Ironically, we are forgetting that our color and culture is
different from theirs. Although the Old Testament includes warnings against mixing with
foreign nations, the emphasis was on godliness not on racial hatred. The New Testament
clearly teaches that all races and cultures are created by God and that Christ died for all,
regardless of race or culture or gender.
What does the Bible say about racism?
• J O H N 4 :9 | She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you
asking me for a drink?”
Although Samaritans were seen as “half-breeds” and hated by the Jews of his day, Jesus
went out of his way to have a life-changing conversation with one sinful Samaritan woman.
• L U K E 1 0 :3 3 | “Then a despised Samaritan came along . . .”
Jesus confounded his listeners by making a despised Samaritan the hero of one of his
most famous parables.
• C O L O S S I A NS 3 :1 1 | In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile . . . (See
note on page 1080.)
R
The church of Jesus Christ is called to set the standard for unconditional love and equality
for all.
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• E PH E S I A NS 2 :1 4 | For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles
into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that
separated us.
Christ died to destroy all the barriers of hostility that sin has created between people.
• G A L AT I A NS 3 :2 8 | There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For
you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Regardless of background, sex, or race, the presence of Christ in the lives of believers
makes us all one in him.
What does the Bible say about ethnic or racial prejudice?
• L U K E 1 0 :3 3 | “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt
compassion for him.”
• J O H N 4 :9 | The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.
• A C T S 1 0 :2 8 | Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter
a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no
longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.”
• A C T S 1 0 :3 4 -3 5 | Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In
every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”
• A C T S 1 1 :1 8 | When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God.
They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of
their sins and receiving eternal life.”
Jesus broke the judgmental stereotypes of his time. He reached across lines of racial and
gender prejudice and division to demonstrate equality and respect for all people. God
made us all different so that when we work together our efforts are more complete, more
beautiful, and more effective for everyone. There are few things more powerful and productive than a diverse group of people working in unity.
• J O H N 1 :4 6 | “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from
Nazareth?”
Don’t be prejudiced against a person because of the place where he or she grew up or
now lives. The other side of the tracks is often viewed as less than this side, but God lives
on both sides of the tracks.