The Bible is very clear on four points. One, we should “mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). George Floyd’s family should be on our hearts and we should make every effort to help as we would for anyone who loses a loved one.
Two, we should seek justice. Zechariah 7:9 says, “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice…” Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Proverbs 21:15 says, “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Just as God loves and enacts justice, we should seek and support impartial justice. We should advocate for a lawful and fair trial for all those involved in this tragedy. We can do this through lawful protest and most importantly, prayer.
Three, we should firmly denounce vengeful riots and seek their end through just means. Romans 12:17-21 is clear. “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Those participating in the destruction of property, verbal and physical threats on law officers and citizens, and the murder of innocent parties under the guise of justice and mourning are in sin. They are paying back evil for evil, not respecting the law, not promoting peace, and playing God. As Christians we should humbly rebuke this behavior through vehement support of law enforcement, speaking the truth in love to those around us, and praying for changed hearts.
Four, we should point to the main issue. And the main issue is not racism. Racism is a sin that we are against. And if racism was a deciding factor in George Floyds death, we should denounce it entirely and encourage humility and respect. But that is not the main issue. Racism is a symptom of a much bigger issue. And that bigger issue is not social conditioning, education, or economics. It is the human condition of man. Mankind is intrinsically sinful. Mankind is naturally bent towards behavior that is not God honoring but selfish, spiteful, and destructive. You do not have to teach a child to hoard their toys. You do not have to teach a teenager to lust. You do not have to teach an adult to be lazy or hold back forgiveness. Sin is an intrinsic problem. And it is not a problem any vaccine, social conditioning, education, economic boost, or self-determination can solve. There is only one solution. And that solution is Jesus. It is only through Jesus that we can be freed from the grip of sin, forgiven for our sin, and given the power to run from sin and live for God. He is the solution. Romans 6:1-4 says of all believers, “We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” Today, in response to George Floyd’s death, be a light. Share the real solution to the main issue behind all the mess. And that real solution is Jesus.
Today, be encouraged. The Bible has given us clear direction in this time of chaos. Let’s mourn, seek justice, denounce injustice, and point to the main issue and only solution.
Pastor John
