The Beatitudes Overcome Racism – Part 9 of 9
The Beatitude attitudes will and do overcome expressions of racism – that’s my thesis for this series. Do I want to fight racism? Yes! My heart groans every time I hear about behavior that harms another whether it be due to racism, sexism, ageism, or bullying. In fact, I even cringe every time someone says that a situation is “going south” instead of saying, “going poorly.” Why does “south” have to be a bad thing? How do the people in the “south” feel about that? But, it’s not my pain that concerns me, it’s that I empathize with the ones who suffer.
“Justice, equality, and fairness for all,” is the cry of my soul! How can I, an ordinary one, promote this goal? It turns out that the question is not, “How can I” do this, the question is, “Who will help me” do this.
Jesus is the answer! Yes, as His follower, His Spirit lives in my heart infusing me with new attitudes that don’t come naturally; that grow on account of His presence in my life. For instance:
1. I realize that I am “poor in spirit” when I need supernatural help to affect change; to make things right. My alleged strength melts into admitted weakness and then I am blessed with the power of the Kingdom of Heaven. Now, with Jesus, anything is possible - racism can be overcome!
2. I see His sorrow over the imperfections of humanity generally and people individually, and the grief that results. In turn, I “mourn” my own inadequacies and then am blessed with His comforting words. Now, with Jesus, I learn new ways of treating others - racism can be overcome!
3. I value Christ’s calm, gentle, humble spirit. As I rest in Him, He blesses me with a gentle confidence, a peaceful patience, and an invincible “meekness” for the betterment of our world. Now, with Jesus, I trust Him to guide my way – racism can be overcome!
4. I “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” I crave justice for perpetrators of abuse. I desire a right relationship between opposing parties. Jesus – where is the kindness and generosity between people that creates a society that benefits all people? In this state of despair, He blesses me with a satisfaction derived from knowing Him as my personal Lord and Savior. Now, with Jesus, others, too, can find satisfaction in their relationships – racism can be overcome!
5. Mercy! Yes! Jesus is our “merciful and faithful high priest.” (Hebrews 2:17) Author Darrell W Johnson says, “Anyone who encounters Jesus, enters into relationship with Him and shares His life will soon begin to take on something of His mercy.”[1] As a Christian, I am grateful for the mercy Jesus extends to me through unconditional love, and want to extend mercy to others. Now, with Jesus, rage is removed and mercy is extended – racism can be overcome!
6. I recognize in Jesus a “pure heart” – clean, without blemish, honest, transparent, and holy. At the same time, He is in the process of purifying my heart. Wow! Now, with Jesus, I am blessed to see His actions and attitudes in others who also strive for equality among people – racism can be overcome!
7. I become a “peacemaker”: in personal relationships, in business, and in my community. Now, with Jesus, as children of God, we are blessed with spiritual harmony, satisfying relationships, open-minded consideration of others, and a desire for justice, equality, and fairness for all – racism can be overcome!
8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10) Being persecuted is a blessing??? Jesus says, Yes, it means you’re speaking in my name. You’re pursuing goodness, generosity, and building relationships between opposing parties. In return, “God blesses you when people mock and insult you, when they persecute you, slander you, and accuse you of evil things. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven!” (Matthew 5:11-12) Now, with Jesus, the attitudes of the Beatitudes become infused into my very soul and the souls of His followers and we are blessed with an experience of Heaven right here on Earth – racism can be overcome!
Rejoice! Anything is possible with Jesus when we accept Him into our lives and let Him lead us to peace among all peoples here and now!
“Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High.” (Psalm 83:18)
