Counsel #2 — Healing Divisions

Picture: Counsel #2 — Healing DivisionsCSI 21.1

God shows His hatred of racism in the Bible story of Miriam, who was struck with leprosy for her attitude of superiority over Moses’ dark-skinned wife, Zipporah.^{[45]Numbers 12:1-15} Racial division happens when we believe we are better than someone else determined by skin color. But in thinking like this, we sin against God, Creator of all people.CSI 21.2

Hierarchical division began in heaven when Lucifer coveted the position of God^{[46]Isaiah 14:12-14}—attaining to be the GOAT.^{[47]GOAT — a popular American acronym for Greatest Of All Time} In stark contrast, Jesus, King of the Universe, united all humanity with Himself by becoming one of us—serving us, and ultimately dying for our sins. Who He loves, who He values, is evidenced by who He died for^{[48]1 John 2:2} and who is saved.^{[49]Revelation 7:9}CSI 21.3

The Bible says sin separates us from God;^{[50]Isaiah 59:2} consequently, sin also separates us from each other. Before racial divisions can be healed, we must recognize our sin of seeing any person as lower than ourselves. We must confess this sin to God, ask forgiveness, and allow Him to transform our hearts and minds.^{[51]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/it-is-time/}CSI 21.4

"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 NKJVCSI 21.5

“The walls of sectarianism and caste and race will fall down when the true missionary spirit enters the hearts of men. Prejudice is melted away by the love of God.” Ellen White in The Review and Herald, January 21, 1896, par. 3CSI 21.6

Reflect: How might you challenge the biases in your sphere of influence, and seek the healing of racial division, guided by the love of God?CSI 21.7