Counsels on Social Issue

Counsel #5 — Challenging Injustice

Picture: Counsel #5 — Challenging Injustice CSI 24.1

Scripture underscores God’s disdain for racial oppression and divisiveness in the Old Testament story of Esther — a Jewess who providentially became queen of Persia. Esther risked her life by entering the king’s audience chamber without permission, ultimately resulting in her people’s lives being saved from genocide.^[55] CSI 24.2

In the New Testament, Jesus, our bold Example of righteous indignation, took an actionable stand in God’s temple when the merchants and money-traders exploited the poor and needy.^[56] If ever there is a right time to be angry or indignant, the Bible is clear that God’s true people will take a vocal and actionable stand against racial injustice and for those who are oppressed and marginalized.^[57] CSI 24.3

"Speak on behalf of people who cannot speak for themselves. Help helpless people to receive justice.” Proverbs 31:8 EASY CSI 24.4

“I know that that which I now speak will bring me into conflict. ...I do not mean to live a coward or die a coward, leaving my work undone. I must follow in my Master's footsteps. It has become fashionable to look down upon the poor, and upon the colored race in particular. But Jesus, the Master, was poor, and He sympathizes with the poor, the discarded, the oppressed, and declares that every insult shown to them is as if shown to Himself.” Ellen White in The Southern Work, p. 10 CSI 24.5

Reflect: What are some ways you can speak up and take action for those racially oppressed and other marginalized people? CSI 24.6