Analysis. The division in the nation disheartens me. What about you?

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Whether denominational or political division, it feels as if we are cornered into choosing sides. When this happens, very important matters can be overlooked in light of current events. My prayer is that rather than choose sides we align our life and mission with Jesus Christ and the infallible Word of God.

I recently spoke with the National Director of March For Jesus USA, Pastor Gary Frost about the March for Jesus. The March for Jesus effectively unites Christians of different races, backgrounds, and denominations around Jesus. As we talked, he shared his thoughts on the importance of racial reconciliation. 

Here is what Pastor Frost had to say regarding the church’s role in racial reconciliation. “The church has the potential to be the most significant platform for crucial and consequential conversations regarding racial relationships. Right now there is so much distrust on both national and local levels amongst believers. It is difficult to speak out without being labeled as a racist or a ‘critical race theorist’ on the other. — If relationships can be established and maintained, the church can be the place for conversations where all parties can feel comfortable to discuss the real challenges without fear of being cancelled or demonized.”

Frost said, “Salvation alone does not resolve racial conflict, as Acts chapter 6 makes very clear.  Salvation positions us to apply God’s truth as we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace as taught in Ephesians 4:3.“

Pastor Frost shared that the church cannot follow the secular world’s strategies in pursuit of racial reconciliation.  Rather than follow, the church is called to lead.

He used this powerful proclamation to simplify the answer for racial reconciliation and healing.

“In a sinful and broken world:

You cannot have peace without relationship. 

You cannot have relationship without reconciliation. 

You cannot have reconciliation without forgiveness. 

You cannot have forgiveness without repentance. 

You cannot have repentance without conviction.  

You cannot have conviction without truth. 

You cannot have truth without God’s word. 

You cannot have God’s word without Jesus.”

Jesus Christ is our Peace” (Ephesians 2:14)

Frost said, “Jesus is our only Hope! We are the Body of Christ and it is in Him that we can engage in critical conversations leading to healing and reconciliation.  Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.”

“We need to pursue righteousness over rightness. It’s possible for believers to  address what’s right, but in an unrighteous way. When we do, we become like  Pharisees, straining at gnats while swallowing camels. The obsession with rightness is rooted in self-centeredness and pride. The passionate pursuit of righteousness is an expression of Holy Spirit. It is about justice, love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and all the dynamics of the cross.” 

Pastor Frost shared practical information we can apply and prayer points for us.

When we have personal relationships with one another, it is easier to tolerate what we don’t agree with because of a relational perspective. 

• Pray for authentic friendships rooted in trust and loving one another. 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Prv 17:17)

• Pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be manifest in the body of Christ.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:22,23)

We are in a time where we need the truth more than ever. Jesus is the Truth and the Bible is the inerrant, true word of God. 

• Pray for the churches in America to return to non negotiable, absolute biblical truth and for the church to stand for the truth, preach, teach, and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (1 Tm 3:14-16)

• Pray for the church to be authentic representatives of the Kingdom of God.

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.  And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Eph 4:29-32)

Pastor Gary reminded me of the historic leadership of African American pioneers like Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr, and Booker T. Washington. He said they have this in common. They were guided by the truth in the Bible and they believed in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

 2 Corinthians 5:18 is a great reminder that we, the Church, have all been reconciled to God, through Christ. Now we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We now preach and live that message with our lives. 

Pastor Gary finished by saying, “We are in uncharted territory in America right now. Let’s follow Jesus, and make decisions based on what He is calling us to do, to be through His word, being empowered by His Holy Spirit.”

“Let’s be like the sons of Issachar and prayerfully discern the times and seasons we are in. Let’s prayerfully look to Jesus and follow his lead.”

Aside from praying for racial reconciliation, we must continue to pray and walk in biblical unity. IFA Contributing Writer Remco Brommet also wrote a wonderful article about unity you can read and pray about here . 

The Lord Jesus prayed for our unity.

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.  I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.  Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! (Jn 17: 20-24)

How are you working and praying for unity today? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

Author Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor to listen to her podcast Something To Share. Photo Credit: Clay Banks on Unsplash.