Uncomfortable S2 - Day 15

All people were created in God’s image. It is really that simple. The story of creation gives us an understanding that everyone who God has created has been imbued with God’s own image, and that image is not only excellent but reflective of God’s values.

In Genesis the author tells us: 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”27 So God created human beings in his own image. He created them in God's image; male and female, he created them.

The above texts make a few very salient points. The first is that there is no distinction of race other than the human race. But before we get too specific, let's look at what that means to each of us.

It means that we are ALL made in God's image; as such, we should be willing to see one another as a child of God, a brother, a sister, and a beautiful expression of God in the world.

There are also clear implications to this. Wherever someone is not being treated as a child of God, we must remind those mistreating the individual of this truth. We have to stand in the way, we have to advocate, we have to listen to those who are marginalized and mistreated, and we have to believe that God accepts many more people than we might. We have to open up in ways that might be uncomfortable for us.  

It also means that our understanding of race as something that separates us should be looked at in the light of God’s desire for his children. Race should not divide but should be seen as an expression of the creativity and incredible variety God is interested in for the world. The expression of humanity is varied on the outside, but we are the same inside. Seeking love, belonging, support, and grace from both God and one another.

JOURNAL

1. What are your preconceived notions about Race? 
2. Is it possible that we are all family as part of the Human Race? 
3. What do you think has kept you away from others who might not look or act like you do?