What we have witness this week in America is another example of the intersection of Black existence and Christian values. It is very difficult to live saved while Black, especially in a country that does not own up to it’s history, the blatant misuse of the Bible to condone and promote human trafficking and slavery, and pure ignorance, apathy and bigotry from people of all other groups.
It grieves my heart that we (Black people) have to constantly be on the defense, always being involved in a fight for our freedom or rights to live peacefully among our fellow humans, because of disdain for our existence.
When Amber Guyger, the white police officer who shot a Black (St. Lucian) man, Botham Jean, dead in his Dallas apartment building, was tried for murder, we as a people were on the edge. When she received a 10 year sentence, we were hit with a familiar wave of disappointment in the justice system. We know that if the roles were reversed, a Black person would never be free again, let alone get only ten years in prison for taking someone’s life.
What the trending detail in this case is the topic of forgiveness. Botham’s younger brother extended an embrace to Amber in court this week, who was found guilty and was sobbing. He stated that he forgave her for killing his brother and wanted her to come to Christ as Botham would have wanted the same. This act of forgiveness is something that Jesus said we as believers ought to do (Matthew 6:14-15). We are to give grace and forgiveness as much as we have no problems receiving it. However, the masses that be on social media air out their opinions and don’t value Jean’s displayed forgiveness and some even criticized Christians and Black people of the faith about forgiving (white) people who do our people harm.
It’s another case of what comes first in America: your faith or your race?
I’ll be honest with you, forgiving that woman was not the first thing that came to my mind. I want her to be tried to the full extent of the law in this country, and I believe that she deserves the consequences of her actions. I also believe that forgiveness does not mean that I agree with or condone what the person has done. It’s releasing the weight of my own limited judgement and allowing for God to be in control of that situation, because He sees all and is our avenger (Romans 12:19). I pray that she does repent and come to Christ, as some of these people become prideful and don’t show any change after they have taken a life (i.e. George Zimmerman).
This is a reminder for Christians, not everyone else who may not believe, that we need to live by the Spirit and not our flesh:
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.
These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:16-21 NLT
You who wrote that? A former murderer. Paul (formerly known as Saul) persecuted and killed Christians before he had a divine intervention and became the man who submitted to God and became an apostle.
This is a reminder for everyone: forgiveness is more for you than the person you are forgiving. It’s ultimately releasing that power you give them over your emotions. I don’t want to carry what someone did in my heart, holding in all that anger and resentment towards someone who doesn’t know or care how I feel about it, so what’s the point in not forgiving them? Again it doesn’t excuse what they have done. I’d rather use that energy to remember and live for the person who’s life was taken instead, to honor them and not give thought to who took them away.
Something else that we can all do as American citizens to vote in our local elections. We have to inform ourselves and select the right lawmakers and judges to positions to do what is fair by all people and not just one segment of our diverse nation.
Lastly, we have to be aware of our internal bias. This week showed that we are quick to throw the law book at a white woman who murders a Black man, but we have a long history of defending Black men who harm Black women or girls in any way. Sure, Keep. That. Same. Energy. if you’re going to be unforgiving, but my real prayer is that you be consistent in giving grace and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
We talk about these issues and what we would do on social media, but in reality we don’t know what we would do unless we were truly in that situation. In this case, I pray that none of us have to be in the position to forgive someone who intentionally murdered our family member.
What we are seeing in these last days are truly tests of the believers’ faith and outward expression of what we profess inside the four walls of the church. It’s time for us to stand alert and stand up for what is right, even if it’s not what’s trending.
Sometimes, it’s good to apologize even it’s not your mistake for the betterment of relationship, I feel. That’s good advice. Thanks!
Thanks Kenzy for sharing!