Discussion Questions for Families – Racial Injustice
Racism: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.
Bigotry: intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself.
Prejudice: preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
Start by discussing the story of the Good Samaritan. Which of the people is like Jesus and how?
The Samaritan is like Jesus because he rescues the man who is dying. Just like the beaten man, each of us was dying in our own sinfulness “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23). Our sin made us enemies of God, like the Jew was the enemy of the Samaritan. But, in his compassion and mercy, Jesus rescues us, not because we deserve it, but because of love. This free gift is given to all types of people, “He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.” (Eph 2:16). We are called to be like Jesus when he says, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” (John 13:34) Therefore, as Jesus died for all people, with all skin colours, shapes, sizes, whether our friend or enemy, male or female, we are called to love them as He first loved us.
Ages 3-5
1. Have you ever noticed that God gave people different skin colours?
*Did you know that God created all different skin colours to show his creativity, and to be a part of his beautiful creation? What an amazing and awesome God!
2. What are some other differences that God gave to people?
*Did you know that God made some people to some people to grow taller that 8 ft and some to be less than 2 ft tall? What big differences some of us have!
3. How would you feel if/when you were treated badly because of the colour of your skin?
*God uses people of EVERY skin colour to do great things and show the love of Jesus to the world.
4. How can you love others who look different than you do ?
*Hint* think about how you would like to be treated by someone else.
5. What are some things you should NOT do when we see someone who looks different than you?
*Talk about pointing, staring, laughing, etc…
Ages 6-8
1. Can you recite John 3:16 and find out who God gave his Son for?
*”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him should not parish but have eternal life.”
2. How does it make you feel knowing that some people are hated because of the way they look?
*If the answer is short, prompt them by asking how they would feel if it was them?
3. Have you ever seen someone be mean to someone else because of the way they looked? Have you ever been mean because of the way someone looked? Explain what happened.
*Rather than be upset if your child has acted badly, use this as a gentle teaching opportunity to help your child understand why their actions were wrong.
4. What should you do when you see or hear someone being mean to someone else because of how they look?
*Parents, always encourage your children to find a trusted adult to help with a situation of bullying.
5. Do you think God will forgive people who treat others badly because of the way they look? Why or why not?
*Remind your children that God forgives all sins when we ask, no sin is too big, even if we are the one who has treated someone badly!
Ages 9+
*Sharing your personal stories in an age appropriate way will go a long way with this age group. For example, I can remember being a kid and pointing at someone who was very large and saying, “why is that person so fat?” in a loud voice. Use this type of story to talk about what was wrong, how God sees all people, what should you have done instead, etc…
1. Why do you think God chose to make people who can be so different looking from one another?
*As we see in all of creation, God is filled with beauty and creativity, use similar words to help your child understand how our uniqueness is for His glory.
2. Have you ever seen someone be mean to someone else because of the way they looked? Have you ever been mean because of the way someone looked? Explain what happened.
*Rather than be upset if your child has acted badly, use this as a gentle teaching opportunity to help your child understand why their actions were wrong.
3. How does it make you feel to know that some people are hated because of their skin colour? Is it ok to hate those hateful people?
*Remind your children that it is ok to hate those hateful actions, but each person is still loved by God and therefore we need to treat them with love too. All of us have sinned and Jesus came to rescue every person who repents and turns to him.
4. What should you do when you see or hear someone being mean to someone else because of how they look? Would this ever happen at church?
*Parents, always encourage your children to find a trusted adult to help with a situation of bullying. Remember that though we come together as a church family to worship Jesus and grow in our faith, there are always people who are “wolves in sheep’s clothing” as well as people who don’t understand their actions or words are hurtful. We need to stand up against even subtle acts of racism and try to be as informed as we can be on what might be hurtful to someone else.
5. How would you like to see the world change? What can you do to make a difference?
*Remember that prayer is always a great first step and you can do it right now!
