‘If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:20-21)  

The issue of racism permeates the news again, and it appears that it will play an important role in the upcoming election. I’ve listened to the messages on race in America — and the various comments from both sides of this hot discussion.

Interestingly, I’m able to understand both sides of the matter, having been blessed to worship with — and serve — all races in the Lord’s church. I have lived in some of the finest and the poorest communities in Florida and Texas, and it is true that different races and cultures often view things differently and through various cultural experiences. As children of God, we should aim to become colorblind and learn from each other’s cultures.

It is true that the most segregated hour of the week is Sunday morning. Often, this is due to location. But for most, it is by choice. In the Lord’s church, culturally speaking, we must understand and accept the fact that there are two churches. Both practice the same doctrine, but with different cultural influences. Having been blessed to serve in both white and black congregations, I have been welcomed and rejected in both because of background, styles of preaching or teaching and skin color.

I have attended predominantly white congregations where I was asked, “Why are you here?” or told, “You would probably be more comfortable at a certain congregation.”

I became a Christian in what is known as the “white” church, and I served as a minister in a predominately white congregation after my ministerial training. Later, I accepted a pulpit position at a “black”
congregation. After preaching for two weeks, my black brothers asked me, “Why do you preach and teach like a white man?” Now that was a real shocker!

Earlier, while I was in college, learning to become a servant of Christ, I was asked by a black brother why I was not attending another brotherhood school because a white school could not teach a black man how to preach. I finally understood that the differences are cultural — not doctrinal.

On both sides there is racism. Often it is hidden. Even in our pulpit hiring, we want preachers who reflect the culture of the congregation. We don’t focus on an individual’s ability or potential. In our gospel meetings, lectureships and workshops, we continue to be racially and culturally divided.

Though there have been occasions where ministers of the opposite cultures are invited, usually there are questions on the minds of others: “Why is he here?” or “Why was he invited to speak?”

The issue of race has also tainted our evangelistic efforts, where Christians have forgotten that the same blood that has cleansed them of their sins is intended for all. I am thankful that Jesus took the time to address the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:9-10) and refused to give way to her race-baiting ways, but focused on the importance of her soul’s condition.

I recently had the opportunity to visit with a brother in Christ with whom my family and I worshiped 30 years ago. He confessed that when we worshiped together he had a racial problem. By the grace of God, he fought against his upbringing, refusing to allow it to get in the way of experiencing what God had mandated: to love and consider as brothers those of a different color.

I was oblivious to his feelings, for he never showed them. However, I do remember how we both worked at reaching out to each other as we focused on the Lord’s will for our lives. As a result, our families and the congregation where we worshiped were blessed through our serving together as deacons. I believe that each Christian — black, white or any color — must deal with their personal malice, hatred and bitterness toward others. No one group has a lock on racism.  

Consider the manifold wisdom of God: Jesus Christ came at a time when there were no cameras, yet there were artists available. Why was he not painted? Could it be that he was so busy doing good no one really noticed his color, not even his disciples? All that we really know is that he was a Jewish carpenter and the Son of God. For that I am thankful, for if his color had been revealed to the world, just think how that might have played out in a race-driven society!  

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

We spend a great deal of time addressing and attempting to decide whether to fellowship others because of a mechanical instrument, when race is a greater issue that plagues and divides us. I believe that there is a greater love and unity that await the Lord’s church when we truly learn to love and respect each other, regardless of race.

Let’s make sincere love of the brethren an issue — not race.

WILLIE HUBBARD JR. is minister and one of four elders of the District Heights, Md., church. He is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University in Texas and has served as a minister for more than 25 years.