Dysfunctional Relations

The latest on race relations in the country involves a black professor, a white cop and a mixed president. The white officer answers a call about a break in. The black professor accuses him of racial profiling and is unreasonable in his actions. The mixed president inserts himself into the situation with haphazard comments without the facts.

What a mess. It's the latest in a long line of racial incidents in this country. Some incidents are valid. Others are not. How do we ever get past this?

Some people do not want racism to go away since they profit from the chaos from these situations. White people seem to be reluctant to put forth a firm response because they fear they will be labeled as "racists".

For Christians, this ought not be an issue. In the book of Matthew, Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Matt. 18:21) How often shall white people be forgiven for acts that they have or have not done?

Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." (Matt 18:22) The focus is not on 490 instances of forgiveness, but an endless amount - for Jesus also said - "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (Matt. 6:14-15)

If Christians expect God to forgive our trespasses, then we ought to forgive the trespasses of others. Christians who are black should be on the front lines forgiving their white brethren without conditions. Can you imagine the testimony that would send to unbelievers?

I am black and I have forgiven all involved in slavery from the past. I am not saying there is no one who harbors racism in his/her heart today. I am saying that as the Father has forgiven me, so I forgive others. I urge other black Christians to do the same.