Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24 (ESV)
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:9 (ESV)
Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:4 (ESV)
I recently watched a video of an experiment where a white young man pretending to be blind would come from behind and grab the elbow or arm of a stranger. At first, the unsuspecting stranger of course would jump but then, after turning to see him, they would allow him to still latch on and would kindly guide him. Then in the same video, another young man who happened to be black, would in turn do exactly what his white counterpart had done. Except in his case, the attitudes and behaviors were totally different. Unsuspecting strangers would also jump when he latched on but, when they turned to see him, they would jerk their arm away, were rude, and move quickly away from him, clearly annoyed and upset. As the video played, it showed the black blind man alone walking with his arm outstretched for assistance.
To say that video was extremely upsetting is an understatement. I watched until the end hoping that at least one person would not behave rudely and callously toward the black man but, every single one of them did. Some of the comments underneath this video stated they were not shocked. They stated this is how they (meaning people of different races who were non-black) see and treat those of color, especially Black people. One would hope this was an isolated incident and that most people would not behave in this manner. One can only hope.
As children of God, how does Our Father in Heaven view this type of behavior? In studying the Bible, He would be appalled and very upset to see His children behaving in such a manner. I had tears in my eyes watching this and I’m sure God would have had tears as well. He would be upset and hurt knowing He created every human being and placed them on the Earth with their various colors, shapes, sizes, skin/hair textures, cultural backgrounds, etc.
As for the above story, this happened to me some years ago when I was leaving an afternoon matinee. A middle-aged gentleman, who was of a different race than me, reached for me seeking guidance. His wife was gathering their things, and he was walking out with the rest of us. At first, I was startled and jumped like the people in the video but, when I realized he was blind and needed assistance, I guided him. No questions asked. And at the time I was a teenager, not an adult like those in that video.
In closing, I pray that as we go forward in life, may we always choose to care for and treat all of God’s children (no matter their color, religion, ethnicity, or political background) with decency and respect.
Blessings,
Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com
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