The following message was written by my friend Eunice Smart. Throughout the Scriptures, God’s people are called to stand for justice and speak for those who cannot.
At A Heavenly Home, we believe that the home – the family – should be firmly rooted in love: the love of God and love for others. This love is manifested in many ways, but it always inspires us to do something.
Please read Eunice Smart’s powerful call to action and, in memory and honor of those whose lives have been shattered by injustice, please share it.
Do something by Eunice Smart
As a Christian we should feel heavy anger at the injustices we see in the world. We should strive to right wrongs and stand up for those being oppressed. No one should have the life taken out of them while others stand around unable or unwilling to do anything. This is not an anti-police post, if anything I am incredibly grateful for the many amazing officers I know, and the sacrifices they make to do their duties and protect citizens. They do a job I could not do.
I have known many wonderful officers who would give their lives for others, but sometimes there are those who go too far, who don’t speak up, and do not seek to act as the sworn protector they are. I am grateful that Justice may occur for George Floyd, but there is no guarantee of it, and there is very little chance we can do anything to affect what kind of justice occurs. However, we can ensure that we seek justice in our community, we stand up for the rights of the abused and oppressed.
Christians walk a fine line of Seeking Justice and Showing Mercy. Roman 12:9 says, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really Love them. HATE what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.”
Love should have a deep disdain and abhorrence for the evil in this world, but in the same respect a tight hold on what we see that is good around us. No one should stand by having knowledge of abuse, oppression, or misconduct and do nothing. I always stand in shock at people who know a child is being abused and refuse to call the authorities because it might make the parents upset. No! Stand against injustice, if you see someone harming someone, stop them.
Do something.
If you know of domestic violence in a home and do not confront the abuser or offer help to the abused, then you are essentially not showing love or following the commands the Bible teaches. Isaiah 58 says “remove the heavy yoke of oppression, feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
It is our duty as Christians to honor those who are made in God's image, to seek to shine into the darkness, chase out the oppression, and help those in trouble. Click To TweetIt is our duty as a christian to honor those who are made in God’s image, to seek to shine into the darkness and chase out the oppression and help those in trouble. So, if you can’t do anything for the present issues in other areas of our country ask what you can do here. Can you give the homeless a meal, can you ask if someone is safe, can you “seek justice, speak mercy and walk humbly with God.” Can you see injustice and seek to change it, can you show mercy to those who are less fortunate, can you humbly see yourself as the same as those around.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; Ensure Justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice”
Proverbs 31:8-9
How to get involved
If you would like to stand for justice and truth against the racism, prejudice, and injustice that is rampant in our society but don’t know how, check out this list of practical recommendations and needs.
If you are a parent and looking for ways to teach your children, check out 31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance. “Beyond addressing issues of race and racism, this children’s reading list focuses on taking action. It highlights resistance, resilience and activism; and seeks to empower youth to participate in the ongoing movement for racial justice.”
Featured photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.
