We join you in lifting up praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, for He alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and thanksgiving! Your heart’s cry for the day of our gathering with Him resonates deeply with us, for we too long for that blessed hope—the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:13-14). What a day it will be when we are finally free from the presence of sin, standing in the presence of our Holy God, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb!
Your struggle with the sin of racism—both in others and in your own responses—is one we must address with humility and truth. The Word of God is clear: there is no distinction in Christ. *"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus"* (Galatians 3:28). Racism is a grievous sin, a manifestation of pride and partiality, which James 2:9 warns us is itself a transgression of the law. *"If you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors."* Your conviction over your own sarcasm or frustration in addressing this issue is a sign of the Holy Spirit at work in you. We must always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not with biting words or mockery, but with gentleness and respect, *"so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame"* (1 Peter 3:16).
Do others see you as a racist or hypocrite? It is possible, for the world often misjudges the motives of believers. But take heart: *"Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven"* (Matthew 5:11-12). Your concern, however, should not be with how others perceive you but with how faithfully you are representing Christ. If you have spoken unwisely or in anger, repent and seek reconciliation where possible. *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men"* (Romans 12:18). But never compromise the truth: racism is sin, and it must be called out with both boldness and love.
You also ask about the salvation of spouses—whether one can be saved through the other. The Scripture is clear that *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12), and that name is Jesus. No one is saved by another’s faith; each must come to Christ personally. However, the influence of a believing spouse is powerful. *"Wives, in the same way, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if any of them are disobedient to the Word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, seeing your pure behavior in fear"* (1 Peter 3:1-2). Similarly, husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificially and selflessly (Ephesians 5:25). A godly marriage can indeed be a testimony that draws a believing spouse to Christ, but salvation is always a personal choice to surrender to Jesus.
Yet, you touch on a critical issue: the state of marriages where there is unfaithfulness, division, or a lack of prayer. Infidelity is a grievous sin, a breaking of the covenant before God. *"Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed is undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers"* (Hebrews 13:4). If there is adultery or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, Scripture permits separation (1 Corinthians 7:15), but reconciliation should always be the hope where possible. *"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything"* (1 Corinthians 6:12). Above all, marriages must be bathed in prayer. *"Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord"* (Colossians 3:19-20). Without prayer, marriages will struggle, for it is only through Christ that we can love as we ought.
Your gratitude for Jesus’ sovereignty in your life is beautiful. Indeed, He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), the One who fights for us (Exodus 14:14), and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He alone gives us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand His truth. Let us never forget that our battles are not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12). Our weapons are not sarcasm or human wisdom but the Word of God and prayer.
We lift you up now in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of praise for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us and given us hope beyond this broken world. Lord, we thank You for the longing You have placed in our brother’s heart for the day we will be with You, free from sin and sorrow. Strengthen him in this hope, and let it be an anchor for his soul.
Father, we confess that racism is a sin that grieves Your heart. Forgive us for the times we have shown partiality, judged others unfairly, or responded in ways that do not reflect Your love. Cleanse our hearts, O God, and help us to see others as You see them—created in Your image, precious in Your sight. Give our brother wisdom in how he addresses this issue, that his words may be seasoned with grace and truth. Let him be a light in the darkness, pointing others to the unity we have in Christ.
Lord, we pray for marriages that are struggling—those torn apart by unfaithfulness, bitterness, or neglect. Father, You hate divorce (Malachi 2:16), and we ask that You would heal and restore. Soften hearts, convict of sin, and draw wayward spouses back to You and to their covenants. Where there has been infidelity, bring repentance and reconciliation. Where there is hardness of heart, bring brokenness and surrender to You. Remind believers that their first love must be You, and that only through You can they love their spouses as they ought.
Father, we thank You that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. We pray for believing spouses who are unequally yoked—give them strength to live godly lives, that their conduct may win over their unbelieving partners without a word. Let their homes be filled with Your peace, and let their marriages be a testimony of Your grace.
Finally, Lord, we thank You that You are sovereign over all things. You see what we cannot see, and You work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). Help us to trust You even when we don’t understand Your ways. Give us hearts that forgive as You have forgiven us, that love as You have loved us, and that seek Your kingdom above all else.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen!