6 Commitments Worth Making in our Racism Repentance

As our national awareness of systemic racism grows following the funeral of George Floyd, I’ve been giving thought to what I should do. Here are six statements that reflect my desire to listen, to learn, and to love those who are different than me.

I WILL listen HUMBLY (Pr. 18:2, 15)

I will seek to understand your experiences, not interpret them through mine.
It’s easy for each of us to give credence to another’s experiences in light of our own. Social media is fueled by those who are quick to share their opinion. But Proverbs warns us that this isn’t meaningful listening, it’s simply waiting to inject our reply (Pro. 18:2, 15). I’m working at being a better listener. I’m committed to not interpreting your experiences through mine.

I WILL listen SYMPATHETICALLY (Job 2:11-13)

While I may not know your pain personally, I will not downplay it.
This past week I recorded an interview with a good friend of mine. His experience of growing up as a black man in America was very different than my experience of growing up as a white man. While I did not experience his pain personally, it doesn’t keep me from listening sympathetically. Sympathy means to walk with others through painful circumstances so that they’re not alone with their burdens. I’m committed to doing that better.

I WILL learn in order to LOVE WELL (Ro. 12:9-10)

I will not assume I know you’re needs, thoughts or feelings without asking.
Bringing a learner’s attitude to the racism discussion is vital—that is why listening is a prerequisite. Romans 12:9-10 challenges me to love others more fully. Asking good questions allows me to love others better; I cannot assume I know your needs, thoughts, and feelings unless I ask you. I am committed to doing so.

I WILL learn in order to show HONOR (Ro. 12:10)

I will value our differences; believing they give God greater glory.
God ultimately was the one that made us different when he confused the languages in Genesis 11. As people sought out those speaking similar languages, unique people groups and cultures developed. In the final book of the Bible we read how Jesus gets the glory through those differences: “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you … for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev. 5:9). God did not make us DIFFERENT so that we would be DIVIDED, but that through our DIVERSITY we would give him greater glory. I am committed to joining you in that effort.

I WILL love SACRIFICIALLY (1 John 3:16-17)

I will place your needs ahead of my wants.
As my awareness of the racial divide in our country grows, so does my attentiveness to other’s needs. Love is always about sacrifice. If I love myself more than my brother, I will be willing to sacrifice his needs for my wants. But if I love him more than I love myself, I will sacrifice my wants for his needs. I’m looking for better ways to love my brother sacrificially.

I WILL love STEADFASTLY (Ro. 12:10)

Your responses, whether good or bad, will not deter my love.
God has loved me steadfastly. He loved me when I was weak (Rom 5:6); he loved me when I was rebellious (Rom. 5:8); he loved me when I was his enemy (Rom. 5:10). His love was never in response to my actions, but in spite of my actions.  I want to love others steadfastly too. I acknowledge the hurt, mistreatment, and injustices that have happened to the black community for hundreds of years. If I loved my entire lifetime, I could not make that right. But I will try. I’m committed to loving my brother with a steadfast love.
As a FRIEND, I will LISTEN. As a CHRISTIAN, I will LEARN. As a BROTHER, I will LOVE.
You can listen to Phil’s full message, “Am I my Brother’s Keeper?” here.
 

Phil Moser is a pastor and author of the Biblical Strategies series and 4M Training for Men. His books are available on Amazon and at biblicalstrategies.com