Church, how do we respond in times of such rampant division in our country? I have had numerous conversations with so many of you in recent weeks regarding the tragedy of racism, the lives it has claimed, and the ripple effect of pain and confusion. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1) We are the church. Each one of us. And so our role as Christ-bearers is to share the Gospel with others in tangible, practical, loving ways. When people truly experience the love of Christ, He transforms us, and hatred dissolves. While our circumstances change around us daily, and horrify us, Jesus is the same, yesterday, and forever. This is a message of great peace, not just for ourselves, but also for those whom we would be willing to share our hope and our lives with.

2) We cannot simultaneously love Christ and hate our brother/sister. In our day to day lives, we strive to love God with everything we have while loving others with everything He gives us. This leaves no room for racism. We do this every day, with every moment – in times of peace and unity and in times of division and tragedy. We should be known by our LOVE.

3) Finally, for now, I want to share the many practical ways I have seen the Church mobilized in recent days:

• Voice. Many of you are gathering locally and peacefully to stand up for the oppressed.

• Giving. Many of you (our Westside church included) continually give of your finances to organizations and to people in the field who provide hope, relief, and escape from injustice – from those sold to the sex trade, to refugees in need of liberation, to children experiencing hunger, abuse, neglect, and inequality.

• Sacrifice. Many of you have dedicated your career to helping those who can’t help themselves. You show up. You serve, sometimes without thanks. God sees this. God is glorified in how you love your neighbor. Many of you forsake vacations and personal time to serve on mission teams to provide basic needs and to share the hope of the Gospel for people all over the world.

• Prayer. Many of you continuously pray for God’s justice and intervention in the lives of the oppressed. Sometimes I hear people say prayer is not enough, but as Christ-followers we are committed to prayer, we believe prayer is among the most significant actions. Prayer may not be the most visible action, but we can have great faith in God’s power, justice, and righteousness! He moves consistently and intentionally, and I pray that we would have eyes to see His mighty work at hand...
  
  These are the types of actions that contribute to the cessation of racism and hatred. This is how the Church loves. Let’s love well. Let’s humble ourselves. Let’s extend grace to one another. Let’s set our hope on Jesus Christ alone.