Why the Message of Jesus Sometimes Gets Lost in Race, Religion, and Politics
You may notice something surprising if you spend time in churches or watch the news—sometimes the church doesn’t fully reflect the teachings of Jesus, especially when it comes to issues like race, religion, and politics.
What Did Jesus Actually Teach?
Jesus’s main message was simple: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. He reached out to people who were different. He also reached out to people on the margins, and even those who were disliked or ignored by society. His teachings were all about forgiveness, kindness, and breaking down walls that separate people.
Where Do Things Go Off Track?
These days, churches can sometimes get caught up in issues that pull them away from that original message. They focus on debates about race. They also get wrapped up in strict religious traditions or political arguments.
Race
Jesus showed no favoritism—he loved everyone equally. But in some places, churches have been slow to tackle racism, or even worse, have been part of the problem. When churches ignore racial injustice, they’re out of sync with the gospel’s call for love. They’re also not welcoming people of all backgrounds, which conflicts with the gospel’s call for equality.
Religion
It’s easy for churches to focus on rules, rituals, and “who’s in” or “who’s out.” But Jesus challenged religious leaders who put rules above people. His message was about including everyone, not creating barriers. When churches become more about tradition than compassion, they miss the heart of the gospel.
Politics
Jesus didn’t take sides in political battles of his time. He cared more about people than political power. Today, churches sometimes get so involved in politics that they forget their real mission: loving others. When faith becomes just another tool for political arguments, the gospel gets lost.
Bringing It Back to the Basics
The gospel of Jesus is about radical love, acceptance, and putting others first. When the church gets distracted by race, religion, or politics, it risks drifting away from what Jesus truly taught. The challenge for all believers is to remember the simple but powerful message of Jesus. They need to live it out every day with everyone.
Minister A Francine Green I October 2025