Counsel #5 — Created In His Image

Picture: Counsel #5 — Created In His ImageCSI 40.1

Today, racial prejudice has led to horrific acts of violence as well as division, anger, and hostility between people of different skin colors. But the God of peace and reconciliation calls His people to recognize the inequities perpetuated and longs to work genuine repentance and healing in hearts. Bringing people together—those who have mistreated others and those who have been mistreated—is a miracle of Divine proportions, but a miracle we should continually seek. After all, God created all races of humanity in His image. No one is “lesser.”^{[77]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/in-the-midst-of-racism/}CSI 40.2

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NKJVCSI 40.3

“The Lord Jesus came to our world to save men and women of all nationalities. He died just as much for the colored^{[78]As was common in the 19th century, Ellen White generally used the term “colored” in reference to those of African descent, but also “black” and “Negro.” Sometimes she even referred to African Americans as the “Southern race” or the “Southern people,” just as she used “Southern work” and “Southern field” for “the work for the colored people” in the South.} people as for the white race. Jesus came to shed light over the whole world…. The color of the skin does not determine character in the heavenly courts.” Ellen White in The Southern Work, pp. 9, 11CSI 40.4

Reflect: How can you participate in promoting healing between “the offenders” and “the oppressed”?CSI 40.5