John Perkins and Thomas Tarrants were the most unlikely men to unite in a common cause. Yet the transforming power of Christ broke through their barriers. As a young man, Tarrants was consumed with hatred for Jews and blacks. He became deeply involved with the KKK. At one time he was arrested for attempting to bomb a house. While in a Mississippi jail, he faced the ugly sin of his prejudice. Christ radically transformed his life.

    Then God did what seemed impossible — He led Thomas to meet John Perkins, a black minister who had spent decades fighting for racial equality. Having made peace with God, Thomas was now becoming at peace with his fellow man. Eventually he began working with Perkins to build bridges between races. Their story gives our racially divided country hope that divisions can be mended.

Let’s begin with our own hearts.

    Don’t you agree that the moral sickness of racial prejudice has gone on far too long? What can we do about it? Let’s begin with our own hearts. I’d like you to join me right now in asking the Lord to reveal in the dark crevices of our souls the prejudices lurking there. If we’re honest with ourselves and the Lord, we’ll come to realize that we indeed have some prejudice against a particular group. Let’s confess this sin to Jesus Christ. And then allow Him to use us in breaking down the walls within our sphere of influence.

    Jesus went to the Samaritans, who were hated by the Jews, and offered them salvation. Can’t we do the same with those we have difficulty loving? Through the power of God’s Spirit we can.

    I challenge you to do something today to break down these walls by reaching out to a person of a race or religious group that you have a hard time even being around. Ask Christ to love them through you. Then watch how your actions will bring great honor to the Lord Jesus.

© 2002, Herald of Truth and Jim Clark, Hope for Life. Used by permission.

Are you presently experiencing a new life? God’s word says, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” This new life is a free gift of God through faith Jesus Christ. If you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you, sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life, whatever you’ve done, you can begin again. You may also contact Jim Clark at jimclark@abilene.com if you have questions about becoming a new creation.
Title: "He's My Brother"
Author: Jim Clark
Publication Date: June 13, 2002

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