RACISM
What does the Bible say?

Q. What does the Bible say about racism? I do not really like black people and I don't know what God would think about that.

(Submitted by: Jon)

A. There are some things you might do well to think about before you let yourself get away with thinking such thoughts. First, you might ask yourself how you would like it if someone told you that they did not like you because of your skin color or ethnic origin? Wouldn't you want a chance to show them that you were a decent person? You probably think that you are a unique person and that no one is exactly like you. And you would be correct in thinking that. So is the person of your disdain.

Humans in general have a great deal in common. We all eat, sleep, drink, go to the bathroom and share numerous other characteristics. Whatever skin color we may wear does not make us any less human than another. We all have feelings. Most of us want to be liked by others. What is the purpose of not liking another human?

God created this universe, this world and everyone in it. People exist in their variety because God designed it that way. Put simply, racism is a CRITICISM of His handiwork. If you told me that you did not like me because of some physical characteristic I have, I might say: "Look buddy, your beef is really with the One that created me - it has nothing to do with me. I had nothing to do with creating myself! I can't change a characteristic you don't like just because you ask me to. Like you, I did not ask to be on this planet and I did not ask to have the characteristics I have. If you do not like me that's between you and God! Complain to Him!" So, in essence, since God's creation is a reflection of Him maybe you would not like God if you were to meet Him? If there are red, blue, yellow, white or any other color of flowers, it's not the flower's fault. Flowers have nothing to do with what color they are. The intelligent being that designed the flower is responsible for their color. Hate and intolerance only beget more hate and intolerance. That's what is wrong with this world. Do you really want to be a part of propagating a philosophy of life that helps fuel the fires that may ultimately wipe out humanity?

As the scripture says:

" And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. " (Ephesians 4:32)

It may take a great deal of re-thinking to convince yourself to accept everyone because God said to, but it's worth it.

"By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. " (John 13:35)

It's a good feeling to "love" everyone!