This has been a dark week in our nation. As if the global pandemic were not enough, the horrific death of George Floyd, and the protest and riots which followed, have led us into a season of national chaos and unrest. Like intrepid explorers on a gloomy day, when it’s impossible to see the sun or the path ahead because of the thick fog, we long to emerge out of the darkness.
Many of us are familiar with the Scripture in Philippians chapter four which encourages us to bring our prayers and petitions to God and to experience authentic peace. What we may have forgotten is that the preceding verse, verse five, specifically challenges us to be gentle: “Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5).
If you look at the sequence of the verse, it is clear that our gentleness during times of trial is only possible because we realize that the Lord is near. One of my long-time friends recently reminded me that God will make all things right, in His time and in His way. Do we believe these truths?
He is near.
He is with the oppressed.
He is aware of the evils perpetrated by the oppressors.
He was there when it happened.
He will make all things right.
He loves to restore.
He loves to see His creation flourish.
It seems that the recipe for flourishing is related to gentleness. Many of the monumental changes that have happened in our world have been led by those who worked gently. It’s hard to force individuals to change from the inside out, and it’s impossible to strong-arm cultural growth and wisdom.
I will still speak loudly against injustice and inequality—it has specifically been my life’s work for almost a decade. At Hope Haven Rwanda, we are working every day to help Rwandans have the same educational opportunities that many other global citizens have. We are working to help them change the trajectories of their families, by offering them skills, employment and hope. That is all “justice” work.
I just received an email today from our 26-year-old African “son,” Nankpak. We are doing a family Bible study via email and this is what he sent today. It fills my heart with joy to hear Nankpak’s feelings about how we are learning to treat each other:
“Everyone is worth our respect. The Bible cautioned us from the book of James 2:2-9 to beware of respecting people based on their status. God created us all equal and His utmost desire is to see that we accord people their due respect. I respect Dad a lot for that. I watch his interaction with the workers in Rwanda (including the menial workers) and I see how much he respects them. A lot of times you (Dad) leave them with glowing smiles on their faces. That is what family do. To respect each other and imprint positivity into each other’s mind.”
I firmly believe that the only way to grow forward through these types of injustices is to respect one another as the “Image Bearers” that we are, and to graciously, prayerfully and gently work for genuine change.
Never forget, wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, the Lord is near. That truth can be a source of great comfort, or a source of dread. Let’s choose this week to live in His ever-abiding presence with grace and with gentleness. The Lord is near.