Trying to Make Biblical Sense of this Moment

I have been getting some requests to say something about the social unrest and the racial tension that grips our country right now. I hesitate to say anything because I hear so many people—even Christians—saying and repeating so many unwise things. My greatest fear is that I will just add more foolishness to a conversation that seems to be anything but edifying. Let me just identify some key biblical principles that seem to apply at the moment.

Abuse of power is condemned by God.

Human authority is necessary, which makes the abuse of that authority so much more egregious. The Old Testament prophets severely condemned the leaders and wealthy who abused their authority and power for their own personal benefit (Ezekiel 34, Isaiah 10:1-4).

Individuals must be held accountable for their behavior.

God holds individuals responsible for their sins (Romans 14:12). It’s not that He does not judge nations and groups, but rather that in human government we have individual rights and responsibilities under the law. This seems to be the way it was established in Genesis 9:6 and restated in Romans 13:1-7.

Murderers and thieves should be held accountable for their behavior, no matter which side of a badge they are on.

Respect of persons is wrong.

Our modern term for this is prejudice. No one should be treated differently in the church based upon their economic status, ethnic background, or even gender (Galatians 3:28). We stand equal at the foot of the cross. However, it is very easy to be blind to our own prejudicial thinking. Our hearts are desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). We should ask God to show us our own hearts before we so quickly jump to defend or deflect (Psalm 139:23-24).

It is our human nature to think of the “others” in broad (guilty) groups—cops are murderers, men are abusers, demonstrators are rioters. These are lies that divide people and pit them against one another and Satan loves it. It is all a manifestation of prejudice.

We must treat one another with respect because every human being is made in the image of God. Not all human beings are believers, but all human beings are Image-bearers even if that image is marred by the fall.

Responding “in-kind” to injustice is condemned by God.

“Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:13). The problem is that it takes personal confidence in God to allow Him to do this. This command was given to Christians. It does not mean that Christians should be pushovers or that they should not seek remedies under the law. It does mean that we should not stoop to the sinful level of our oppressors in response.

I am sure there are more biblical principles that apply than what I have stated here. I am not trying to thoroughly examine the topic, just to begin to prompt truly reflective biblical thinking.

I do think it is wise to listen. James says we should be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath (James 1:19). Maybe we should take some time to talk to our brothers and sisters in Christ whose life experiences are different than our own and get a little clearer perspective. I know I am still working on it.