By now, you are probably well aware of the currently known facts about George Floyd’s death. Floyd was arrested after an employee at a grocery store called police to accuse him of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. After Floyd was handcuffed, Officer Derek Chauvin held him down with a knee to the neck, a technique that was not approved by the Minneapolis Police Department. Further, police officials and associations, including the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the National Association of Police Organizations, have condemned the actions of Office Chauvin. And, he has now been taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder. Additional facts may become available in the course of the investigation; but, the current evidence indicates that Officer Chauvin pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck for an extended period of time, and Floyd died shortly thereafter.

I have reviewed and received some common reactions to this story, and I wanted to address those first so I can move on to the main points of this article. First, the actions of a police officer or officers can and should be condemned if they are unwarranted or unjust. This does not mean that all police officers are unjust. I deeply respect the work of law enforcement officials who often have to make snap decisions in dangerous and difficult circumstances; but, this story is different in kind. Next, the rule of law should be upheld. I am not the judge or jury in this case, and a fair and swift investigation of this matter should be pursued. But, that does not suspend moral judgment on the death of George Floyd until a jury has decided the matter. Enough credible evidence is currently available to form an opinion. Last, I cannot state with absolute certainty that Officer Chauvin’s actions were racially motivated (and, absent a verbal or written statement, racial bias is always difficult to prove in a court of law). But, I can state with absolute certainty that this case involves a white officer’s knee on a black man’s neck. So, I think it is unsympathetic (at best) for white Americans to expect black Americans to see this as something other than an event involving race, especially since this occurred so soon after the Auhmed Arbery shooting. That said, as Christians, I think we should be even more specific or Biblical in our analysis. The available evidence points to the fact that this was an act of violence by an agent of the state (which is tasked by God with restraining unlawful violence (Romans 13)) and is, therefore, a violation of the state’s Scriptural role and an affront to the image and nature of God.

Those issues addressed (or at least raised), I have been burdened over the last few days by these questions: “What’s next?” and “What can we do about this issue?” Certainly, we should take time to lament this event and to pray for justice to be done. But, the issues of racial injustice and racial division are increasing in intensity and complexity. So, beyond posting on social media, what should concerned Christians do about injustice and racial unity? As pointed out in this excellent Gospel Coalition video and article, the church should be proactive and not just reactive on this issue.

As I launch into my points below, please note that my comments are primarily addressed to white Christians. I recently had this powerful and heart-rending conversation with Evangelist Adrian Burden about his experiences with racial bias in the church, and I cannot know the pain of or fully empathize with black Americans on this issue. But, I can speak to Scriptural truths applicable to all people and to some steps that I am taking after having conversations on this issue. I will admit that I do not have all the answers, but I do have some ideas to share.

Now, let’s turn to Scripture and, more specifically, the book of Micah, which is all about injustice. God, speaking through the prophet Micah, proclaimed judgment on the rulers of Samaria and Jerusalem because of their injustice and oppression. For example, Micah 2:2 states, “And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away; so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.” And, here is Micah 3:1: “And I said, hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and…princes of the house of Israel; is it not for you to know Judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil…” After explaining His indictment against the rulers of Israel throughout the opening chapters, God then turns to what he expects from Israel and commands them (you know this verse) to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). The word “mercy” can also be translated as “loving-kindness” or “kindness.” So, in the wake of terrible injustice and oppression, God told His people that He expected them to: (1) do justice, (2) love kindness and (3) walk humbly. Let’s apply those three commands to this issue, but in reverse order.

1. Walk Humbly

I have a bad habit of not really listening to people. I find myself planning my response or thinking about my next appointment in the middle of conversations. I am working on this, but I admit it is a problem. So, when it comes to the issue of racial injustice, I am trying to really listen for a change. After my conversation with Adrian Burden, I shed tears about what he has experienced (and I am not an overly emotional person). Slavery and racism is America’s original sin that dates back 400 years. Don’t take my word for it. Consider this excerpt from Lincoln’s masterful Second Inaugural Address, “Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said ‘the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.'” Though Christians spearheaded the abolition movement and black Christians like Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Civil Rights movement, many churches and Christians were complicit in slavery and systemic racism. And, this issue still afflicts the church to some degree today.

I addressed this troubling history at length in my study Persuasion Points, and Adrian’s bibliography available on this page provides several helpful resources that further prove these points. Many Christians I know will respond to these events with something along the lines of, “I’m not a racist, I didn’t cause this, and I don’t participate in it.” Good for you. But, we have to realize that this is a problem we inherited along with our American citizenship. Now, just so I am clear about my perception of the United States, our country was founded on a remarkable principle–that all people are created equal. We have not always lived up to this ideal and perhaps we never will. But, that does not mean we stop trying or that the idea is poisonous or faulty. The fact that we are freely and painfully having these discussions is a testament to the American system vis-à-vis totalitarian regimes throughout history and in existence today.

In sum, instead of blaming the media, chalking this up to political motivation, or trying to explain to black Americans why they shouldn’t consider this a problem anymore, let’s take a humble pill and listen for a change. Four hundred years of painful and sinful history cannot be shrugged off, and we shouldn’t expect the lingering effects of this national sin to disappear because we are tired of hearing about it.

2. Love Kindness

I recently attended a joint presentation by Senator Tim Scott and Senator James Lankford. Senator Scott, who is African American, joked that Senator Lankford, who is Caucasian, is the smallest minority in the Senate because he is a redhead. Now, that’s funny; and, they have a close relationship that allows for such light-hearted ribbing. During that presentation, Senator Scott asked this convicting question of the audience, “When was the last time you and your family had dinner with a family of a different race in your home?” That’s a simple but revolutionary idea. Also, I have spoken with church leaders of predominantly white churches that have organized dinners to discuss racial unity or that have scheduled joint services with predominantly black churches. Though we talk about being color blind, that isn’t enough to solve the problem. We need to be proactive about having these conversations. We need to “love kindness” in the sense that we reach out to those in our community that are different than us. As Adrian said, “Don’t tell me you have a black friend. Show me you have a black friend.” And, for those that live in areas or cities that are predominantly white, social media is a great tool for reaching out.

3. Do Justice

“Justice” is a Biblical word. Scripture is clear that all people are created in the image of God, are of equal dignity and worth, and deserve justice–equal treatment in our society and courts (Genesis 1:27). This principle is the foundation of the church’s public witness and undergirds (1) the life issue, (2) the Christian sexual ethic, (3) religious freedom or conscience, (4) our care and concern for the poor and (5) racial justice. For a full treatise on this, see Daniel Darling’s book The Dignity Revolution.

In the case of George Floyd, we should advocate for a swift and thorough investigation of this matter, and a full and fair trial by impartial and unbiased jurors. When it comes to the looting and violence (some of you were waiting for this), I am an advocate of Kingian nonviolent civil disobedience or protest as the most effective and Biblical response to injustice. That said, I have been thinking about the quote by Martin Luther King, Jr., “A riot is the language of the unheard.” Church leaders who have wrestled with or even defied government orders banning or limiting in-person church gatherings have a little taste of feeling overlooked and mistreated by government officials. And, that has now lasted about two months. What if church closures were a systemic problem spanning centuries? In sum, I do not condone the acts of violence and destruction, but I recognize that they are a response to a system that has often meted out injustice. Calls for the end of violent and destructive protests are in order, but so are plans for a new way forward.

Here are some additional steps Christians should consider and pursue:

• Add racial unity and justice to the issues you deeply care about and do something about.
• Participate in state and local elections that determine prosecutors, judges, and your state’s Attorney General.
• Advocate for criminal justice reform. I work with Prison Fellowship here in Indiana, and they have some incredible nationwide resources that have sharpened my thinking on this issue.
• Build relationships with the police and with community leaders.
• Study this issue in national and church history. The bibliography I shared above is a good place to start.

In conclusion, when I think of the book of Micah, I often think of Micah 6:8. But, the book of Micah also contains an amazing prophecy (Micah 5:2) of a coming King that would be born in Bethlehem and would reign in righteousness (Isaiah 32:1). As we have learned in the lengthy and ongoing fight against racism, a society can pass 1,000 laws prohibiting discrimination but still not eradicate the problem. Why? Because the problem of racism is a heart problem. So, our ultimate hope for healing the nation’s deep wounds is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. No protests, arrests, legislation, court decisions or systemic changes (however helpful) will ever be able to absolve the nation of its past sins or create a practical vision of a society that reflects the kingdom of heaven in its racial diversity and unity (Revelation 7:9). So, church (and I start with me), what are we doing about injustice? We now have an incredible opportunity to bring the gospel to bear on our nation’s most enduring and intractable problem, and I pray we are faithful in the moment.

I went first and shared my thoughts. What are yours? Share your respectful comments below or send us an email at info@goodcitizen.us.