I look at the pictures of white supremacists and their hate scares my soul. I don’t understand it. I don’t understand how that much hate can live inside a person, inside a group of people.
My defense is to say nothing. Because the problem seems too big and I am not an expert. But there is no option of saying nothing if you love Jesus.
We are called to “…shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 4:15-16. But you can’t shine light in the darkness and hold out the word of life if you are silent.
So here’s what I know on my heart to be truth: God is love. We as his people are to be the face of love in the middle of hate and terrorism, and a voice of justice ringing out for those who are voiceless. So my friends who are targeted by hate groups… God is for you. He loves you. You are his. And your brothers and sisters in Christ see you and we are with you. The acts of violence and hatred against you are against the whole body of Christ and we will not have it. We are praying for ways that we can lift you up in his strength and peace.
And finally, I know that even if mere pictures of a hate group make my skin crawl in disgust and fear, Our God is not afraid for one second. He has already conquered the real enemy at the core of that group when Jesus died on the cross. So when we lift up our prayers asking God to wipe out racism, bigotry, and hate in our communities we can be sure he hears us. And we can be sure that his compassion, wisdom, and light will be poured out on his people as we move with him… and with him we will be a thousand times stronger than any hate group.
Let’s be reminded that the God of David the psalmist is still the God of today. His power has not diminished by an ounce. We can be sure that he will be victorious if we cry out to him for help. We will stand with the Lord against hatred. And we will not be afraid.
Psalm 27
“The Lord is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (vs. 1-3)
…Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this;
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.” (vs. 11-14)
Andrea Chatelain 