You take a racial or ethnic group that you don’t like and find the worst behavior among them, extrapolating that to the entire group. Holding each person responsible for that behavior, you inwardly feel superior to them.
Surely any honest Christian would agree that these attitudes are unacceptable in the eyes of God.
Thankfully, the Lord’s Church is making progress in the Black-White issue. Nevertheless, there is still an enormous amount of work to do. Sadly, another evil has moved into the hearts of Christians.
If such behavior is wrong in relation to Black and White, then why do we see and hear so many Christians exhibiting the same behavior toward people of Middle Eastern countries?
Undeniably, terrorism and war have ruined countless lives. Americans painfully remember the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 where a cadre of Muslim men killed 3,000 innocent people.
This is a volatile issue. However, we must move past emotion, allowing reason and a clear head to lead us to truth.
God hates all sin equally because it comes from Satan (John 8:44; Romans 3:23; 6:23). He loves every soul created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27; 1 John 4:7-8) and wants everyone to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
God sees the entire universe in a spiritual sense and in his eyes, physical divisions are immaterial (Revelation 20:11-15). When we make value judgments based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, we’re sinning. Every soul stands on their own behavior and merit (Ezekiel 18:19-20).
In God’s eyes, there is truth and error, and God hates that which stands against his Word (Galatians 1:8-9; Psalm 119:104). Islam is a false doctrine and is no different than every other religion that violates God’s will.
God wants us to take the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19-20). We should hate error, but we must separate doctrine from souls. Everyone who is in a false religion needs our prayers and God’s truth instead of hate and recrimination.
Christians must develop this nuanced approach with people in the Muslim world. We divide error from souls and treat these individuals with respect and love. Christ is our standard, not the weaknesses of men.
Terrorism and the behavior of others doesn’t absolve Christians of racist attitudes against people of Middle Eastern descent. In the end, we won’t find justification in the eyes of God, but judgment and condemnation.
by Richard Mansel @ www.forthright.net