The Bible makes it clear that racial prejudice and hatred are sins, and no matter how deeply ingrained they may be in our hearts or our society, we need to repent of them and seek God’s forgiveness and help.

Why is there so much hate in the world? The blame rests firmly with us—with our own hearts and minds. God has told us how we should live; repeatedly He tells us to love others the same way He has loved us—completely and unreservedly. But we have rejected Him, and—like a deadly cancer—the spiritual disease of sin has gripped our hearts and twisted our actions. Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19).

This is why our greatest need is to turn to God and allow Him to change our hearts and lives. Peace treaties have their place … efforts to bring about reconciliation need to be encouraged … but our greatest need is to put Christ at the center of our lives, and begin to see others the way He sees them.

Ask Christ to come into your life, and then ask Him to help you love others the same way He loves them—even when they fall short. Pray too that the seeds of hatred and prejudice in our society will no longer be allowed to grow, but will be replaced by genuine respect and love. Never forget: Christ gave His life for people “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Have you asked Christ into your heart? Pray now.