Set an Example through Humility and Love
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” — Nelson Mandela
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 13
Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, a but have not love, I gain nothing.
Where love truly is, there can be no hate. Racism is about hate, ignorance and intolerance. Not about love.
I am heart sick and absolutely exhausted at the very core of my being, from hearing racist comments disguised as questions about why we shouldn't make reparations to people who have suffered at our hands for centuries; through slavery and being trafficked, bought and sold, and treated like cattle. Who, once freed, were still treated as less than and were refused the most basic human rights throughout the centuries that followed. Who, are still treated as less than, in some places, and are still not able to be on equal footing with their white counterparts, in many ways, and in many places throughout the world, to this day. I'm hearing things that make me sad and heart sick; about people’s attitudes about people of colour.
We as Christians are asked to forgive everyone; including those who have never given us an apology. Shouldn't that work in the reverse, as well? Shouldn’t we be making reparations and apologizing for things that happened to other people at the hands of people of the same faith, race, gender, background, country as us? Isn't that the premise of “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”? Isn’t that what it means? Yes, us as individuals, but also, us as a whole? Isn’t that what love really looks like? If we followed Christ’s example, as we’re supposed to, we would realize that, everyone who’s never been subjected to racism owes reparation to those who were. Especially since, despite some people’s refusal to see and admit to it, racism is still prevalent today.
If racism is still occurring; which it very much is, then, in addition to taking action to change that, we still owe the victims of racism an apology. I witnessed blatant racism yesterday; in comments made on a post on a Christian page. A posted article that was attempting to illustrate a way in which some people are trying to apologize and make reparations to the black community.
The video was about cops (one black and two white cops) and civilians washing protest organizers' feet (black faith leaders, not looters and rioters) to ask forgiveness. To ask the black community forgiveness and to ask God's forgiveness for how we, as a race, have treated members of His community for centuries; His creation. An act meant to emulate Christ, Himself; when He washed the feet of his disciples. It's about reparation and forgiveness, and it's about humility and love. It's mostly about asking God, Himself forgiveness for our trespasses on others.
Systemic racism still exists, as does individual racism. Explicit and implicit racism, alike - look up those definitions if you are eager to learn and stop racism from occurring. Because it does still exist. And, it needs to be addressed; both, through asking forgiveness and through changed behaviour on the parts of those still behaving in a harmful way. As long as racism exists, love is missing somewhere. As long as we allow racism to continue, we are not behaving in a Godly manner.
We are called to emulate Christ. He died to forgive us our sins; both ones we had committed and those we had yet to commit. Washing feet idolatry. And, it isn't death. It's love.
John 13
3Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. 4So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” 7Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8“Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!” 10Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. 16Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master,b nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Now, some bible studies suggest that Jesus’ foot washing demonstrated humility; that a master is no greater than His servant, so no man is greater than His brother or sister. And, some suggest that it was simply an act of divine love, and His way of making them a part of Him; like baptism, of sorts. In this case, the police and citizens involved in this act; washing the feet of the black protestors, was about reparation and apology. It was an act of asking for our trespasses, and the trespasses of our ancestors for wrong doings over the past several centuries, to be forgiven, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Or, how we’re supposed to forgive those who do so.
Like when a movement was formed throughout the world; of men apologizing on behalf of other men who assault(ed), abuse(d) or harm(ed) women. Or, like how Canada, as a country, apologized (not that it was effective, as a “sorry” is just a word, without the accompanying changed behaviour) to its Indigenous peoples for the harm we did to them and their ancestors; both directly and indirectly. Through racism and intergenerational trauma caused by them being treated as less than, and not being treated as human beings; just as we’ve done for centuries to our people of colour in the world. The polar opposite of how we are supposed to treat one another, and as we wish to be treated; with love, humility, compassion and selflessness. And, showing grace and forgiveness to our brothers, and sisters as Christ did for us.
Some people suggested that it was wrong to wash the feet of those who rioted or looted. First of all, we don’t know if any of the people whose feet were being washed engaged in anything other than peaceful protests; to make that assumption is to judge something we don’t fully understand. And, furthermore, Jesus wash the apostle’s feet even though He knew that Peter would refuse to acknowledge Him – three times, and that one among them would betray Him. He still washed their feet. He still humbled Himself and He still demonstrated divine love. The response to this article; by those who proclaim Christianity as their faith, was horrible. People not speaking out of love, or emulating Christ; but judging and spreading further fear, ignorance, hatred and showing great pride; not of power, love or sound mind.
2 Timothy 1
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
A few of these responses were;
“That’s a dam joke”
“What’s doing that gona change, really?”
“I'm sure if the Jews in Nazi Germany had done this during the Juden roundups they would have a better job of changing the hearts and minds of the Nazis.....said no one ever.”
“Unbelievable...”
“Sorry but this isn’t the time or place for uniformed officers to be bowing the knee to this madness. We need strong leaders to lead from the point, with integrity, dedication and compassion. While STANDING by the oaths we took. This only fuels the hate when other officers won’t submit”
“Humbling ourselves is to put Christ first over ourselves. Humbling ourselves is NOT furthering the lie that white people living today owe reparations to black people living today for wrongs committed before we were all born. If we have done a specific wrong, we do owe humility and apology for our wrongdoing. Beyond that, it is enabling the delusion that a black person is automatically oppressed by virtue of their skin color. That dehumanizing, destructive of hope message is straight from the pits of hell and is Satan's handiwork.”
“It's not lost to us why anyone would promote US bowing down to someone who wants to rule over us.”
“I would gladly wash my neighbor's feet but they are not out there looting, stealing and killing, that is of the devil”
“What are we supposed to be forgiven and make reparations for? Please don't say slavery, that is just silly. NONE of us had anything to do with slavery, the slaves were brought here by their own people. The slaves needed food, clothing, shelter, once they got here. Slaves performed a service for payment. Isn't that what working people do today? If we get out of line at work, what happens? Were slaves mistreated? I am sure some were, I really have no idea, I was not there, no one in my family was there, my ancestors were actually slaves, just to get here...so again, please tell me what we are supposed to be forgiven and make reparations for. If we are to make reparations, what about the rest of the world? Germans to the Jews, Arabs to the Jews, Egyptians to the Jews, Japanese to Philippinos, Romans to the Christians, all of those who sell children into slavery (actually still happening today) and the list goes on”
“Are you fricking kidding me? I can’t even take it!”
“Upon further review, I am for defunding these ‘cops’”
“Disgusting” “Things just keep getting weirder”
“This is the saddest thing I’ve read recently. Should never happen.”
No sir, these comments are the saddest thing I’ve read recently.
None of these people could see their responses clearly demonstrated implicit and aversive racism.
My response;
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet.
John 13:1-17
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Jesus tells us to wash each other’s feet. He tells us to love one another and serve one another and to not be prideful. He tells us to follow His example; of humility and divine love. This act, on behalf of the white community was about reparation to the black community and seeking forgiveness for our trespasses upon them. About putting away pride and showing love equally. It was about humility and admitting when you’re wrong. We are called to be more Christ like; humble, loving, compassionate, and full of grace.
1 John 2:6
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked
Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Philippians 2:1-11
Christ's Example of Humility
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Quite frankly I’d rather do what the bible tells me, than try to lean on my own understanding. He tells us hundreds of times in many ways, to love one another. Jesus demonstrates nothing but Faith, Hope, Love, Forgiveness and Humility. What’s wrong with humbling ourselves? Humility is about love, and Jesus bowed to His disciples, showing love and humility when He washed their feet. Someone suggested that us ‘bowing down’ to the protestors was us ‘worshipping them. And I said, this isn’t about idolatry, it’s about love, forgiveness and humility. All characteristics of Christ, Himself. Like Paul exemplified for us.
1 Corinthians 9
Paul the Servant to All
19Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the Law I became like one under the Law (though I myself am not under the Law), to win those under the Law. 21To those without the Law I became like one without the Law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the Law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some of them. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
My take on all of this now; after being jumped on for my responses to these comments (scripture or summary of scripture), is this. People; especially those who proclaim Christianity as their faith, need to, instead of leaning on their own understanding, look to truth for the answers on how to heal humankind.
The Message of the Cross
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Wisdom from God 30It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When considering how you should live and how you treat others throughout your life.
1 Corinthians 10
Warnings from Israel's Past
1I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual food 4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness. 11Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. All to God's Glory 23“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. 24No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 11
Roles in Worship
1 You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Now, I’ve done more research and bible studies since and the church seems to be divided on what they believe was the purpose of Jesus washing the apostles’ feet. One source says, it was to show divine love, and the other says it was to humble Himself as a way of showing us how to behave.
Either way; whether it was a display of divine love, or an act of humility, it was to show us the example by which we are to live. As He lived. And, if it is an act of divine love, we need to follow that example as well, but first need to know what love looks like. What it means to truly love; God, and others. And, it’s not for us to judge others actions; particularly not those attempting to emulate Christ, Himself.
Matthew 7:1-3 7
Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Nor is it for us to further the spread of evil and hatred amongst mankind;
James 2:4
Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? in turn, perpetuating the cycle of racism, hatred and intolerance because of our own pride. And, we all know where pride gets us.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 29:23
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. In all of our dealings with one another, we need to do all things with love;
1 Corinthians
16 13Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. 14Do everything in love.
And, we need to forget our pride, and remember the Message of the Cross. We need to see this whole experience as a lesson in love. A lesson for those who have caused harm, and made others endure suffering because of the colour of their skin; to teach them that they are not greater than any other human being.
A way, perhaps, of showing us that change still needs to happen. That until all are equal, we are not living as we are commanded and we are most certainly NOT emulating Christ.
Finally, that we are all created equally, and in God’s image and that we are commanded to love one another, and not harm one another.
Acts 17:26
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,
Romans 2:11
For God shows no partiality.
And a reminder the power of life and death is in the tongue, and that we need to wield it responsibly and with love. So, be careful; watch your words and keep your thoughts and actions based in love. Try to be more Christ-like. Think Love, speak Love, act out of Love. And, SPEAK LIFE!
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
1 Peter 3:10
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: