By: Juliet Constantine

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:9-10 NKJV)
 

Irrespective of cultural differences, people are people wherever we go. Slavery has mentally affected us more than we realize. It has left an indelible impression on our minds that will take a lifetime to change – it is a continuous gradual process. Like sin, slavery did not only affect black people; it had touched the lives of all nations. But for more reasons than one, the black nation chooses to remember – so much so that a whole month is set aside to celebrate and educate.

I believed that the intention behind the month long celebration was well meaning. While it served to build pride in the liberation and achievement of black people, it also - though indirectly - continues to build resentment in our younger generation who sees through the hypocrisy and realizes that change seems to be only ‘skin deep’. Based on observed actions, it seems that we embrace each other at arms’ length. We will only ‘come’ this close, and no further. If we proceed any further it may be construed that we have over stepped our bounds. We are accepted so long as we know our ‘place’ and keep out of the limelight.

This behavior is played out even in our churches. Social standing, not only slaveries’ mentality, has dominated God’s church. So much so that expatriates from ‘poorer’ countries are looked upon with disdain if they desire to ascend to a top leadership position in a foreign church or conference. The general consensus among locals seemed to echo with a silent shout, “You are not from here and we do not need you here”. In an experience I had, that shout was anything but silent. But what’s even worse is to realize that this is a people thing – the struggle for limelight attention and resistance to change at times brings out the undesirable part of our personalities. Our mentality is still ‘chained’ by sinful tendencies because they are not surrendered to the One who can break every chain.

Our sinful desires to tear down and put down each other, speak evil of one another, gossip and engage in tale-bearing: are all symptoms which show that we do not regard each other as brothers. No one would willfully and intentionally kill their father’s child. So, why do it to God’s child? Gossiping and tale-bearing destroys unity and genuineness of friendships. Resentment and hatred should not be harbored in hearts that are preparing for Heaven. We are brothers and sisters.

Let love be genuine. Love from the heart. God sees any secret veil of separation. Let us remove the walls which separate and let’s embrace each other, shoulder to shoulder. You are my brother.

Our Father in Heaven, please help us to always remember that we are brothers and sisters. Irrespective of the color of our skin, the type of hair on our heads, or our socio economic background or social standing in life; please Lord, help us to realize that we are brothers and sisters in You, our Father. May brother love be evident in our midst we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)