I’ve asked 10 Christians—5 black Americans and 5 non-black Americans—to share their reactions to George Floyd’s murder. Some people believe black Americans and non-black Americans—especially white Americans have entirely different reactions to injustices against Geoge Floyd and black men.
But as you’ll see in this article, part 1, and tomorrow’s article, part 2—these individuals have different experiences, but because of Jesus Christ, their reactions and their hopes are not too different from each other:
“I was horrified by what I was watching…to hear George’s voice, and seeing him struggle, to the point of death, was sickening. I usually wait to learn what the facts surrounding a matter are, so as not to rush to judgement, but it was clear to see that George was murdered.
Pondering what had taken place, my thought was “an image-bearer of God was murdered” (I thank God for renewing my mind). That thought caused me to grieve because I know that God did not intend for things to be this way. Thankfully, there is hope for those who have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
I do not fear for my life, nor do I feel that, as a black man, I am being hunted down, as some have suggested. I think no less of neither white people, nor of any other ethnic group, because of this situation.
I pray that the body of Christ would unite for the sake of the gospel, not just for the sake of uniting ethnic groups. Christ is building his church, may we trust and look to him in anticipation of his return, remaining faithful to God’s gospel all the while.” – Aaron
“The murder of George Floyd, which was captured on a cell phone, has once again sparked outrage, which has led to protests, rioting, and looting across the American landscape. Chants of “I Can’t Breathe”, “Black Lives Matter” and the like have been the mantra for protesters and those who are outraged by what appears to be a murderous act committed by a person of a lighter melanin count against one who has a darker shade of melanin. The cultural narrative notwithstanding, at the base of all of this is sin.
Because of the Fall, man is in a fallen state and is living in rebellion against God. All of the vestiges of the Fall are apparent in what we see in our culture, i.e. “racism”, theft, destruction of property, hopelessness, etc. The only remedy is the Gospel. The Gospel tells us that unless a person possesses a new heart, they will never change. How does one receive a new heart? “Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). The Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation for those who believe” (Romans 1:16)
Only the Gospel can give man a new heart, a new nature, new motives, and new eyes. Stricter laws, protests, “anti-racism” campaigns, and the like, while well-intentioned, are not the ultimate solution. Only a new heart, through faith in Christ, can change the sinful proclivities of the human heart.” – Ron
I couldn’t watch George Floyd’s death in its entirety. I had to skip through it. I saw Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck. I saw him begging for air. I saw him lying there, still. I saw him get hoisted onto the stretcher. I turned off the video.
There was so much that was racing through my mind. Anger at the officers. Sadness as I saw a helpless man murdered for no good reason. Hatred for sin and this clearly fallen world. I closed my laptop. I wish I could say I immediately prayed but I continued working at my makeshift cubicle inside my bedroom. I tried to forget honestly. But I was horrified at what I had witnessed and the image of George Floyd lifeless on the pavement won’t soon leave me.
The following week has been a hard one. Not because a man was murdered (I’m still reeling from that) but because of how the Church is responding. The world is without hope. So it riots and plunders. But Christians? We have an eternal hope that has defeated death. So why are so many of us acting as if we don’t?
We are the light atop the hill. Our love for God and each other should radiate so bright that it’s impossible to confuse us with the world. Recently though, all over social media, it’s been hard to tell the difference. – Sage
There is a sadness that came from even viewing the image of George Floyd with the officer’s knee in his neck; almost indescribable. Image bearer doing this to another image bearer, and then so many teachings from my mother about how to engage with police, how to interact in society, to try and avoid that same fate.
And then the protests, and the corrupting, evil riots, more sadness with the fallen state of humanity. I think, “This is prime opportunity for the church and the gospel” and then I remember the hope that’s within us that’s supposed to elicit questions from the world, and I think of how the world will know we are His disciples by our love for one another….are these true of us? Do we consider this part of our witness, do I?
I think about the history of a sizable portion of the American church’s witness to these things and I’m astounded at the patience and grace God has with His people, and we struggle with that too. So much prayer, meditation, and discipleship, but I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit, and know that He will do in us and through us what is necessary. – Khem
When I first saw the cop on George Floyd’s neck I was at a lost for words. What was he thinking? Why didn’t the other cops help? So many questions that lead me to the same conclusion, that was a bad incident. Clearly murder. As a person in law enforcement I couldn’t help but think how many times they violated simple procedures.
On the other hand, I was saddened by the reaction from people, particularly those who profess the name of Christ. I’ve seen numerous “Christians” justifying the riots and looting in the cause of “we need change.” Yes change is needed BUT Christians don’t break God’s law to produce the change. We can learn a lot from the Apostles’ example in this.
I was saddened to see the murder of George Floyd result in many Christians expressing their hatred for white people. I expect the world to riot, loot and hate to bring about change. But when this methodology comes into the Church, it is deadly!
Lord be with those who are grieving, let us as a body speak out against all forms of evil and purify your church! Lord Maranantha! – Kris