Counsel #1 — Love Is Christianity’s Hallmark

Picture: Counsel #1 — Love Is Christianity’s HallmarkCI 42.1

Racism, classism, and White supremacy have been justified in recent times by “Christian” nationalists. Conspiracy theories like the diabolical Great Replacement have motivated violence, including mass killings, and have even crept into mainstream politics.CI 42.2

But Jesus says, “It shall not be so with you.” (Matthew 20:26). Universal, inclusive, unconditional love is to be the hallmark of Christian identity.^{[37]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/what-is-love/} Among followers of Christ there should be no distinction between White, Black, Latino, Asian, or Indigenous nor between national and immigrant.CI 42.3

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34 NKJVCI 42.4

“Men may have both hereditary and cultivated prejudices, but when the love of Jesus fills the heart, and they become one with Christ, they will have the same spirit that He had. If a colored^{[38]In accordance with 19th century usage, Ellen White usually used the word “colored” to describe Americans of African descent, but she also referred to them as black, negro, Southern race, or Southern people.} brother sits by their side they will not be offended or despise him…When these unchristian prejudices are broken down, more earnest effort will be put forth to do missionary work among the colored.” Ellen White in The Southern Work, p. 14CI 42.5

Reflect: Have you made efforts to dialogue with people of a race different from yours about their/your experience with racism?CI 42.6