Pervasive racism is threatening to destroy our beautiful country. One can hardly live through a week, without racist comments being made in the workplace, media or sometimes at political rallies.
From Penny Sparrow’s foolish and cruel remarks in which she called black people monkeys to Velaphi Khumalo’s hate-filled Facebook post where he stated that black people need to cleanse South Africa of all whites like Hitler did the Jews. These all go to show just how low we have stooped as a nation. What is needed today is a concerted, united effort against all forms of racism, be it white against black or black against white.
As a Christian I believe the truth of the Bible that teaches we are all descendants of Adam and that human beings are created in the image of God and not apes as some would have us believe. The implications of this are profound. It means dignity and nobility are attached to every human being.
That is why God commands us to love our neighbours as ourselves. That means we are all obligated to respect, honour and treat with dignity both black and white people, coloured and Indian as well as foreign nationals who live in our country. To pour forth hate-speech against whatever group of people because of the colour of their skin or the language they speak is an offence to God who created all people in His image. The fact is that we all need each other.
In line with the Biblical concept of the church consisting of many members with different gifts yet being one, so in this rainbow nation. All races are needed to make a positive contribution to the well-being of the nation as a whole. The gospel of Jesus Christ calls for compassion and kindness to be shown toward one another.
Those who would call themselves followers of Jesus Christ must lead the way by overcoming fear and prejudice and reaching out with love toward people of different races groups. Greeting others with a smile; showing an interest in the life circumstances of other people from different race groups and reaching out with a helping hand to others in need regardless of the colour of their skin are all part of what can be done to counter racism in our wonderful country and bring glory to God.
Resolve to make a positive difference in another person’s life each day, regardless of their race. This is what is needed at such a time as this.
Jonathan Holdt
(Pastor – Bethany Baptist Church, Centurion)
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