Biblical Definition of Racism

Racism is the sinful act of treating individuals or groups as inferior or superior based solely on their ethnicity or skin color, violating the Biblical truth that all people are created in the image of God.** Racism distorts God's intention for humanity by fostering division, hatred, and partiality, rather than love, unity, and mutual respect.

Racism: A Universal Sin

1. **All Are Made in God’s Image:**

Genesis 1:27 clarifies that *“God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”* Every person, regardless of race, bears God’s image and is of equal worth and dignity. Racism directly opposes this foundational truth by denying the inherent value God has placed on each human life.

2. **Racism Shows Partiality:**

The Bible speaks clearly about the sin of partiality. In James 2:1, we are warned, *“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”* Racism, at its core, is showing partiality—favoring one race while devaluing another. God’s Word calls this sin. It is not about one race being more or less guilty than another; partiality is wrong no matter who it comes from or is directed toward.

3. **God Shows No Favoritism:**

In Acts 10:34-35, Peter declares, *“Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”* The Lord makes no distinction between races in His love, salvation, or justice. Racism contradicts God’s nature by fostering unjust distinctions.

4. **Racism Affects All People:**

Romans 3:23 reminds us that *“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”* Racism is not confined to one race or group of people. Any group can be guilty of racism when they elevate themselves and degrade others based on ethnic differences. Whether it's majority or minority, white or black, racism exists wherever the heart of man turns away from God’s command to love others as oneself.

**The Biblical Solution to Racism**

1. **Love Your Neighbor as Yourself:**

Jesus commands in Matthew 22:39, *“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”* This simple command dismantles racism because it requires us to extend the same love, respect, and dignity to others that we desire for ourselves—regardless of their race or background.

2. **Unity in Christ:**

Galatians 3:28 tells us, *“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”* In the family of God, racial and ethnic divisions are rendered meaningless. We are called to unity, not division. Racism—no matter the source—undermines the unity Christ died to establish.

3. **The Heart of the Gospel:**

The Gospel reconciles us not only to God but to one another. Ephesians 2:14 says, *“For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”* Christ’s sacrifice breaks down the barriers of race and ethnicity, creating one new humanity in Him.

4. **Seek Justice and Reconciliation:**

As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of justice and reconciliation. Micah 6:8 calls us to *“do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”* Racism is an injustice that demands repentance and reconciliation, but it must be done through the lens of grace, love, and truth.

Final Thoughts:

Racism is a heart issue, and no matter the race involved, it is always wrong in the eyes of God. Whether it is oppression by a majority or hatred by a minority, racism distorts the image of God in others. The remedy is not found in cultural trends or political ideologies but in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only through His transformative love can we truly see one another as God does—equal, valued, and deeply loved.