In light of the recent tragedy in Minneapolis, even though we are not fully aware of the facts in this case, we as an Association claim our guiding light is Micah 6:8.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
We in the NCFBA are committed to seek justice for all people. No one, no matter how bad, how different, how unlovable is too far for God to redeem. In Home Depot the other day I met the manager in the lighting department. On his arm was a tattoo stating that no man is so bad God can’t save him (or her). If God can and is willing to save us in our wretched condition, we must seek the same mercy for others. Justice is a requirement from God. This isn’t simply being nice to those who like you, but even those who don’t like you. Justice is treating others fairly, like you would want to be treated. Justice is color blind. Justice is a concern for people and a genuine respect for all persons. We must be just in all circumstances.
We are also to love kindness. What does kindness look like? The Hebrew word, Kesed, is mercy, loving-kindness, merciful-kindness. Kindness is not keeping someone on the ground with a knee in their neck when they can’t breathe, compliant or not. Kindness is reaching down and picking someone up. Kindness does not mean giving a free pass for sin, but it is a generous others-mindedness we desperately need in these days. God requires we love mercy. God is the judge. He ultimately rules on people’s actions, good or bad. We are to love kindness. This love is like love of a friend. We are to treat all people as friends and extend mercy.
Last, we are to walk humbly. When we deem ourselves better than others, we treat them that way. This passage outlines to us God requires humility. We are to walk in humility. That means our coming and our going. All our traversing, locally and globally must be seasoned with humility.
We at the Association want to encourage you to commit to justice today. Commit your church and your congregation to seek justice in your community. Do this with love and mercy. Do this with overt humility. If we do, our differences will diminish and our hurts will fade in the light of God’s grace to us.
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