Charlottesville – Jonah – Us!
The photographs of Charlottesville this past weekend made my stomach turn. What made my stomach turn cut much deeper for my Black friend who said this, “Nothing has cut me deeper - I’m hurt, feel disrespected - like we don’t matter.” I quickly was reminded there is a
huge
difference between being upset, even angry and having your heart and hopes crushed yet again.
To those in our church family who are Black, Latino, Asian, Jew, a refuge or immigrant, we love you and are so glad you are part of Door Creek Church. We feel so bad for what has and is happening today in our country (and around the world) and for the injustices you face with the fears and discouragement that would break you down. You enrich our lives, you do matter - created in the image of God, you are crowned with glory and honor (G
enesis
1:26, P
salms
8). We want your experience at Door Creek to give you hope as we gather each week around Christ and His word, living for His glory and the good of the world He called us to serve in the power of His Spirit.
We will not be silent, we will not say anything less than
racism is sin
wherever it exists in thought, word or deed. We must not get sidetracked into thinking this is a political issue. This is a gospel issue and the gospel heals all that the enemy would divide. This hatred grieves the heart of God (He created us all, cf. Acts 17:26) and fractures society as it pits people against people.
The Bible doesn’t stutter on this issue. Our current study of Jonah is case in point. God doesn’t mince words with Jonah over the hatred he has in his heart for the people of Nineveh. Let us never forget that the hatred that is big enough to divide a nation is small enough to fit in our hearts, in my heart.
Let us be a people who:
- Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God, cf. Micah 6:8, or put another way, regularly confess all that is in our heart that is not of Christ.
- Lovingly serve, honor and respect our neighbors, especially those who are vulnerable, cf Luke 10:33-37 (Serve Day on August 26 is a church wide opportunity to do just that. For more info or to sign up, click here).
- Love even our enemies as God so loved us, cf. Romans 5:10, not seeking revenge, cf Romans 12:19.
- Live in hope and grace, cf. Hebrews 10:23, not driven by fear, cf. 2 Timothy 1:7.
Together for Jesus - the only hope for the brokenness of our lives and this world!
