One of our mission statements for our ministry is to help break the chains of stereotypes., in this example, black represents evil. No where in scripture does it say black in itself is evil and to be honest, Satan has stolen from the church because of rules that are not scriptural or us judging and condemning each other wrongly. In example, I wear a black ring sometimes with the archangel Michael on it (I am not catholic; some try to label everything *smile*). How I see black, black reminds me where I came from (darkness, death); it also reminds me of ash (book of Job, repentance), which is also a sign to pray (early church had rope to remind them to pray, rosary beads). The ring also reminds me of Jesus who brought me out of darkness (the cross and shield of faith on the sides). Yes, we have the Holy Spirit but sometimes we get occupied at work or with our daily activities, but when I glance at my ring, it reminds me of these things. Some might judge wrongly when they see the color of my ring, but they need to stop thinking that way (God looks at the heart, intent, and the color black is not evil).
Other stereotypes within this photo include beautiful women cannot be thinkers or intelligent. The truth is, there are many… I have to admit, I love this picture, the haircut, the fashion, how the ring matches the nails, the sweater. Very cool (I mean good).
Some might quote a scripture, “abstain from all appearance of evil”, but that is not an accurate interpretation of the text. Rather than just focusing on appearance, Jesus taught to have a relationship with Him and through that relationship we will change from the inside out. As Christians we should be here for each other rather than finding fault with each other or worse yet, condemning a world that God loves.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)22 Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (ESV)22 Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
John 15:7-11 (NKJV) 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 3:16–17 (NKJV)16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.