The Bible is our handbook for each and every issue we come up against in life, it is the key to knowledge of what is right and wrong. Racism and prejudice corresponds directly to favoritism, treating others indifferently, and showing a lack of love, all of which are talked about in the Bible.
Favoritism has been one of man’s down falls in life from the beginning of time and leads directly to racism and prejudice. The Bible talks about favoritism numerous times, James chapter two being one of them. In his letter which purpose is to “expose unethical practices and teach right Christian behavior” (Student’s Life Application Bible), James says, “ My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if your favor some people more than others?” (James 2:1) Another example of partiality resulting in racism and prejudice is the conflict between God’s chosen people and gentiles. In the early era of Israel, the conflict between these two people groups was constant, they thought it was even scandalous to talk to gentiles. This is because the Jews thought they were more important than everyone else which lead to prejudice against Jews that continues to this day. Peter knew differently, though, in Acts 10:34, “Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God doesn’t show partiality.’”
“Treat others how you would like to be treated” is a statement that almost everyone has heard one time or another, in one way or another. It is not very surprising that this truthful remark originated from the Bible, more than once. Widely known in the Church as the Golden Rule, treating others like yourself is mentioned in Luke 10:27, Mark 12:31, Matthew 5:43-48, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, and there are some many others references. It is a fact that human’s number one obsession is themselves and themselves is what they care about and think about the most. Obviously, if we all treated others how we wanted to be treated like the Bible tells us to, there would not be problems of racism and prejudice because everyone would love each other and find no faults in one another.
Love makes the world to round, it is what separates us from the animals, and it is God’s gift to each and every one of his creatures. The Bible says clearly and demonstrates God’s love for us a gazillion times stating all through the Bible that God’s love is unfailing, immeasurable, and never ending. In turn, it is our responsibility and privilege to love others as God loves us. In 1 John 4:7 and 8 says, “ Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God-for God is love.” When we truly love others, there is no room for hatred, jealousy, or any other wrong thoughts or actions that are racist or prejudice to God’s creatures.
Knowing all these things, and understanding what the Bible says is nothing without application. The Bible says we should be doers and not hearers. It is not enough to have 1st Corinthians 13, also known as the love chapter, memorized and be able to tell people God loves them and be as tolerant as possible. One needs to actually be the example and show complete love towards everyone. This is the only way that racism and prejudice can be overcome, it is the example of Jesus Christ himself that can help us oppose the disease known as discrimination.

By Kendal

Labels: Bible, Christianity, discrimination, favoritism, love, prejudice, racism