Counsel #4 — True Religion

Picture: Counsel #4 — True ReligionCI 45.1

Racism converts Christianity into a tribal religion whereas true religion sees a child of Christ in every different person. Every true follower of Jesus must rise above tribal, racial, classist, cultural, or national prejudices.CI 45.2

Christ’s self-sacrificing life and death is the template for every genuine Christian.^{[42]https://www.adventistworld.org/the-radically-social-jesus/} Imitating Christ’s all-embracing love allows the Holy Spirit to transform our prejudices and self-centered hearts. Loving inclusively as Christ does is the true test of the authenticity of our religion and of our love for Him.CI 45.3

“God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Acts 10:34, 35CI 45.4

“There are colored^{[43]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.} people who are true and faithful, precious in the sight of the God of heaven, and they should have just as much respect as any of God's children. Those who have spoken harshly to them or have despised them have despised the purchase of the blood of Christ, and they need the transforming grace of Christ in their own hearts, that they may have the pitying tenderness of Jesus toward those who love God with all the fervor of which they themselves are capable. The color of the skin does not determine character in the heavenly courts.” Ellen White in The Southern Work, p. 11CI 45.5

Reflect: What racial biases and attitudes have you acquired from your upbringing and culture, and what can you do (or have you done) to change your thinking?CI 45.6