White Christian, you have people of color on your staff, but are you seeking their ideas and perspectives? Does your corporate culture reflect sensitivity to the feelings and concerns of nonwhite individuals? You’ve spoken to the black people who attend your church, but have you had them over to watch the game after service? Have you invited them to join your small group?
Black Christian, have you been keeping at an arm’s distance those white acquaintances who have attempted to get to know you better? Have you written off some whites as racists because of silly comments they didn’t realize were offensive? Have you taken the time to educate them about your culture, answering all of their probing questions about your hair care or your opinion of some black celebrity?
White Christian, you hugged and apologized to that nameless black person at an out-of-town conference, but have you made any new friends across racial lines since you’ve returned home? Are you now more attuned to the subtle ways society treats whites differently from blacks?
Black Christian, are you hanging on to unresolved bitterness against whites? Are you harboring bigotry of your own? Have you been ignoring God’s command to extend grace? Are you resisting his call to become a bridge between the races, because you realize that bridges, by definition, must be stepped on?
BLOGS: Justin Taylor
