The month of February is a time, here at Elm Grove, where we excitedly celebrate Black History Month. Originally created by Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson in 1926, what was known as “Negro History Week” became Black History Month in 1976 when President Gerald R. Ford expanded the week into a full month.

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the rich history of Black people and as President Ford stated to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

As Christians we have a lot to consider, to learn, and to celebrate from Black History. We have an opportunity to go beyond just honoring the accomplishments of Black people but to use this month to examine our human pride, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness with others, and to celebrate God’s good gift of diversity.

So, in the spirit of progress and understanding, here are 8 Biblical truths to reflect on during Black History Month.

1. We must recognize the image of God in every person.

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

2. We must not judge someone by their outward appearance.

But the Lord said to Samuel, Don’t judge by his appearance of height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things in the way you see them. People judge by the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7

3. We must celebrate differences and become a welcoming place for all.

“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.” – Revelation 7:9

4. We must seek unity with people different than ourselves.

“Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.” -Romans 10:12

5. We must do away with favoritism.

“Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.” – Acts 10:34-35

6. We must embrace the power of forgiveness.

“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” – Matthew 6:12

7. We must pursue reconciliation.

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.”-Ephesians 2:14

8. We must remember that Jesus died for all.

“And they sang a new song with these words: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. “-Revelation 5:9

Final Thoughts

Black History month is an important time to reflect on the struggles, sacrifices, and accomplishments of African Americans throughout America’s history. It is also a great opportunity to recognize that all people are made in God’s image.

Every person, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or skin color is important to God and those attributes will never change that reality. God is fair and good. He shows no favoritism and pours his grace on all of creation.

Above all, as Christians, let us remember to love one another and treat each other with respect, celebrating the beauty of God’s diverse people.

God desires to not only be reconciled with us but for us to be reconciled to one another. The power of forgiveness is key to our faith and important to remember during Black History Month. Forgive those who have wronged you and ask forgiveness to those whom you have wronged.

At the end of this age, all believers, from every corner of the Earth will stand before Jesus; they will represent ever nationality and every skin color.

And it is my hope that these truths take root in each of our hearts as we can continue with the charge of making our society a more equitable and just place for all.