Last month I was privileged to attend a gathering of Christian leaders and scholars in Boston on the topic of race relations. There were brilliant insights on the psychology of cultural bigotry; on the experience of Hispanics, Asians and other minorities; and on what we can learn from South Africa. Between organized talks and private conversations, I came away confirmed in my belief that this is a crucial issue for the church, and now is a critical time.

Ironically, one of big issues in the media right now is whether this is really an issue. As a nation, we want to think that racism is over. But a string of contentious events over the last few years would suggest otherwise.

As uncomfortable as it might be to deal with racism, we must. Our brothers and sisters of various cultures are crying out about their pain and struggles, and, in the words of James, we need to “be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 GNT). In recent years, the national conversation has been exactly the opposite. On all sides, people seem quick to speak, but slow to listen, and fuses run short.

I’m not writing here to promote any political or social agenda. Week by week, this blog focuses on helping us lead people into greater Bible engagement. It is tempting for us to avoid the potentially contentious issue of race relations in order to focus on tamer matters like Scripture engagement and spiritual growth, but what’s the difference really? Isn’t our commitment to racial justice an example of Scripture engagement in action?

James also urges us, “Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice” (James 1:22 GNT). If the Bible is not informing our lives—changing our behavior—in matters of love, humility, relationships and justice, we’re not reading it right. As touchy as it might be, the issue of race relations may be a great test case, in which our congregations can engage fully with God’s word, “putting it into practice” in meaningful ways.

So where can we start? With the basics. I keep coming back to the prophet Micah’s foundational challenge to “do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God” (Micah 6:8 GNT). What will justice look like in our communities? How can we show “constant love” to people who are different from us? Does our humble fellowship with God create an attitude of humility that permeates our relationships with others—enabling us, for instance, to listen to the stories of others before voicing our own opinions?Can we learn to listen proactively, seeking out the stories of those whose experiences are different from our own?

Bible engagement must mean more than reading the text several times a week. It requires an exploration of these questions, and an intentional commitment to live out God’s challenges—especially in a world torn apart by racial discord.

There’s another popular passage that, in context, fits our current crisis. It’s God’s message to Solomon after the dedication of the Temple. The Lord warns that he might send drought, or locusts, or plague on the land, in response to the people’s disobedience—but in those times of crisis, there was a solution. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).

So here’s the prescription from the timeless word of God. Humble ourselves. Pray. Change our ways. This message comes to us all, to people of all races. In times of crisis, when the nation suffers violence or calamity or great need, we must…

…humble ourselves. Can we let go of our power, our privilege, our sense of entitlement or the rightness of our cause, and be willing to listen and learn from those outside our own experience?

…pray. The following phrase is “seek my face,” which suggests encounter more than simple petition. We seek God’s kingdom, God’s priorities. What does God want in this matter?

…change our ways. Can we step away from the blame game and let God’s Spirit challenge us? Maybe everyone else needs to change too, but what does the Lord ask of us? What ways—actions, attitudes, words, habits—need repentance and reformation under God’s direction?

Nowadays we hear a lot of talk about the need for Christian influence in our culture. In various ways, followers of Jesus strive to be “salt” and “light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). But is that happening with race relations? Here and there, in a few churches, in a few communities, yes. There are individual leaders and groups doing courageous work in justice-seeking and reconciliation. But is it trending? The larger social narrative would seem to say, “Not so much.”

What would happen if the Bible-believing Christians in America banded together against racism? What if we joined our voices in a prophetic cry against abuse and prejudice? What if we committed ourselves to live out God’s truth in humility, prayer and repentance? What if people everywhere were amazed at how the love of Christ demolished racial barriers?

In the words of Dr. King, “I have a dream …” But the question remains: How do we get there? By letting God’s Word inspire basic commitments—to listen, love, pursue justice, espouse humility, fervently pray, and repent.