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clash between two groups of protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, last week turned deadly when a driver purposely drove his vehicle into marchers—injuring nearly twenty and killing one. While the protests were largely centered around a controversial local government decision, the violent end has sent reverberations throughout the United States. In the wake of the assault, protests against violence and racism have been organized in New York, Seattle, Denver, and other cities.
Hatred and violence have plagued our planet for millennia—including racism, which appears to be running wild in our modern world. Racism suggests that the color of your skin is what makes you who you are—and that some races are superior to others. God disagrees. The Bible says, “God so loved
the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, emphasis added). Racism denies this view and seeks to divide humanity. The result of God’s view is life. We witnessed just one result of racism’s view last week in Charlottesville.
While we grieve the tragic and unnecessary loss of life that racism brings, we should not be surprised at its strength in our world. Jesus predicted that especially in the end of days “the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). And the apostle Paul warned that “men will be lovers of themselves” (2 Timothy 3:2).
We can rejoice that Jesus has promised His peace in the midst of a violent world. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). All those who believe Jesus’ promise of peace will experience it—even as racism and violence run rampant. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Jesus has overcome racism and every other principle of this fallen world. Although we still see it around us, we know by faith that one day it will fade away into the eternal kingdom of peace. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
To learn more about your eternal future of peace,
click here.