The past month has been a very interesting month in terms of racial issues. For example the trial of the man who bombed the church with four children in Birmingham in the 60's, Texas passed a "Hate Crime Law" partly because of the death of James Byrd a black man who was dragged to his death behind a pick up truck and also the Mayor of York, Pennsylvania is being charged with murder of a young Black woman in the 60's when he was a police officer and gave bullets to a white gang with instructions, to kill niggers. "I remember my grandmother saying all things will be revealed in God's time!" What are your thoughts about these recent developments? And how can we respond as Christians. Christ calls us to forgive our enemies

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001

Answers

When these crimes were committed there may have existed a code of silence, coverup, or racial atmosphere that allowed the guilty to go unpunished. Over the years it has weakened and these issues can be re visited. That shows we are progressing. It may also be a case of better technology that helps prosecutors.

And yes we must forgive even if they are unrepentant. Jesus did not say we only forgive those who say they are sorry or give us recompense. He said forgive 7 times 70. Forgivness involves God changing us not the perpetrator. Changing us to be more like Jesus every day. It is hard to do in the natural. Only those who surrender to Gods will can do it and it is Gods will we forgive.

In Christ, Nathan Paujo

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001

Brother Nathan thank you for your comments. Well said!!

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001