The Agape Response to Racism

…for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked;
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
                                 Luke 6: 35-36

For Black History Month, Judith Hightower has written a reflection for the Corner. Thank you, Judy! - ed

During Black History Month, we reflect on the achievements of formerly enslaved people stolen from Africa who survived, made great contributions and helped build this country. And now there are those who want to erase our history, pretend that either slavery never happened, or was benevolent. So, I am supposed to love Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, those who conspire to overthrow our democracy
and stop people of color from voting?

God tells us to love our enemies and do good. It’s not easy to love those who wish us harm. Those who hunger and thirst for justice’s sake will be satisfied and the meek shall inherit the earth. In Greek and Hebrew, meek means to submit to God’s will. If God says love your enemies and I am meek, I will love my enemies and show them mercy. Turn the other cheek? Hold the tongue? Sometimes it’s easy, those slights we marginalized people learn to ignore.

I am a warrior! I love Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, my role models, warriors in the  battle for justice, freedom, and equality. I remind myself Jesus chose and loved  warriors. Jesus flipped a table in righteous anger! God called me just as I am. Could I be a John Lewis beaten, get up without anger or hatred? Can I embrace the agape of  Dr. King, believing that all are my brothers and sisters and love them?

It was easier in elementary and high school. I felt sorry for those whites who called me the N word or jungle bunny and Alabama. I am reminded: we are all one. God is in us. Jesus sent His  spirit to live in us. God gives us choice. Some of us choose good and some don’t. Temptation is strong, money, power, greed.

Love takes more effort, a conscious,  mindful awareness. Those in the civil rights movement embraced, believed, and modeled agape, love of humanity. So, I need to model for those who are ungrateful and wicked, how to love; how to be merciful. If God’s Spirit is within us and we live from the inside out, a humble warrior in the spiritual battle then living from the Spirit within us, we must be mindful, aware of our thoughts and actions always. Put on the armour of Christ to stand in the battle, not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil.

Strive to be merciful to the wicked and ungrateful.

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If you have any questions, please email me at jvrussell85@gmail.com or Diane Figaro at paa@st-therese.cc or Nicole St. Hilaire at nicoles@st-therese.cc. Our website, st-therese.cc has a wealth of information about how you could help!