READ 1 John 4:7-21
The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the
outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
While the American Civil War during the 1860s purported to end slavery, and the American civil rights war during the 1960s purported to end discrimination, racial issues persist. Decades of protest marches, court battles, school busing, legislative actions, and discussion panels, while helpful, have failed to bring lasting racial harmony. What can we do about this?
Acknowledgment. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). We ought to ask God to reveal any racist thoughts within us or any racist actions committed by us. If we have asked God to examine our hearts, and confessed and repented of any known sins, we can know we are forgiven and have a clear conscience. 1 John 3:21 says, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.”
Forgiveness. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15). How can we expect God to forgive our sins if we refuse to forgive those who have treated us or our ancestors unjustly? We can’t always control what other people do to us, but we can always control what we do to them. If we fail to forgive, the perpetrators retain their power over us, and we remain out of fellowship with God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Acknowledgment and forgiveness lead to healing.
Prayer: LORD, please help us to love others, regardless of their outward appearance.
Prayer Focus: FORGIVING THOSE WHO HAVE HURT US.
Rick Stockwell is employed as an IT Program Manager. He teaches Sunday school for kindergartners, is an elder at his church, and is the author of two Christian novels: THE WALL and THE BATTLE. He's been married for thirty-four years, and has two children and five grandchildren.
Book link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07HQ8G3MJ
What is Truth?
Rick Stockwell
12/20/2024
Success
Rick Stockwell
12/13/2024
Crumbs
Rick Stockwell
12/6/2024
TV Turnoff
Rick Stockwell
11/29/2024
Thanksgiving
Rick Stockwell
11/22/2024
Burning Brightly
Rick Stockwell
11/15/2024
One-Way Mirror
Rick Stockwell
11/8/2024
Time
Rick Stockwell
11/1/2024
My List
Rick Stockwell
10/25/2024
Bronzed
Rick Stockwell
10/18/2024
Anti-malware Software Needed
Rick Stockwell
10/11/2024
A Real Miracle
Rick Stockwell
10/4/2024
Forgotten God
Rick Stockwell
9/27/2024
Version 2.0
Rick Stockwell
9/20/2024
Chasing Shadows
Rick Stockwell
9/13/2024
Red Scribbles
Rick Stockwell
9/6/2024
The One I Esteem
Rick Stockwell
8/30/2024
Swimming Lessons
Rick Stockwell
8/23/2024
Hard Heart
Rick Stockwell
8/16/2024
Racial Healing
Rick Stockwell
8/9/2024
Are you Listening?
Rick Stockwell
8/2/2024
The Narrow Path
Rick Stockwell
7/26/2024
Go Save Someone
Rick Stockwell
7/19/2024
He Knows What You Need
Rick Stockwell
7/12/2024
Bleach
Rick Stockwell
7/5/2024
Firm Foundation
Rick Stockwell
6/30/2024
Impressions
Rick Stockwell
6/21/2024
Running Uphill
Rick Stockwell
6/14/2024
Are We Listening?
Rick Stockwell
3/31/2021
Go Save Someone
Rick Stockwell
3/31/2021
He Knows What You Need
Rick Stockwell
3/31/2021
Firm Foundation
Rick Stockwell
3/31/2021
Bleach
Rick Stockwell
3/31/2021
Impressions
Rick Stockwell
2/15/2018
Running Uphill
Rick Stockwell
11/29/2017
Racial Healing
Rick Stockwell
2/9/2017
Start Each Day With Prayer
Rick Stockwell
5/10/2016