What is racial injustice and what is my responsibility to address it?

Luke 10:33-37“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Racial injustice simply means treating someone poorly and even terribly because of his or her race. In Jesus’ day, Jews despised Samaritans, considering them half-breeds and religious apostates, and they would avoid contact with them if possible. So for Jesus to make a Samaritan man the hero of this story was shocking because it shattered the racial stereotypes and prejudice of his listeners. Jesus was making the point that we should love our neighbors—anyone in need—even if they are not members of our own group. We can address racial discrimination and injustice by refusing to despise anyone based on their background, race, religion, or other distinguishing characteristic. So addressing racial injustice begins with our attitudes. Beyond that, however, we should also show mercy and help anyone in need. Addressing racial injustice also requires our right actions.

Micah 6:6, 8What can we bring to the Lord? What kind of offerings should we give him? Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves? . . . No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

More than our spiritual words and sacrifices, God wants us to “do what is right” and “love mercy.”

Acts 10:28Peter 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.

As a devout Jew, Peter knew that he should not associate with “unclean” Gentiles. But God revealed to him in a vision that no one is “impure or unclean”—all should receive the gospel message.

We can address racial discrimination by reaching out to all kinds of people with the good news of Jesus and welcome them into our churches.