The End of Prejudice - A Tool for Fighting Prejudice

According to the report UNESCO Against Racism, "education could be a precious tool in the struggle against new forms of racism, discrimination, and exclusion."  Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Bible education is truly the best help in regard.  (Isaiah 48:17, 18)  When people apply its teachings suspicion is replaced b y respect and hatred is extinguished by love. 

Jehovah's Witnesses have found that the Bible is helping them to overcome their prejudices.  Indeed, the Bible gives them both the motivation and the opportunity to share activities with people of different cultures and ethnic origins.  Christina, quoted in the first article of this series, is one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  "Our meetings at the Kingdom Hall build up my self-confidence," she says.  "I feel secure there because I do not sense that anyone has prejudice toward me." 

Jasmine, also a Witness, remembers being first targeted by racism at age nine.  She says:  "Thursdays have always been the easiest day of the week for me because on that night I go to the Kingdom Hall.  There people show me love.  They make me feel special rather than despised." 

Volunteer projects sponsored by Jehovah's Witnesses also bring together people from different backgrounds.  Simon was born in Britain, although his family comes from the Caribbean.  He has faced much prejudice when working as a bricklayer for secular construction companies.  But this did not occur during the years he served on volunteer projects with his brother in the faith.  "I have worked with fellow Witnesses from many different lands,"  Simon relates, "but we learned to get along well with one another.  Some of the closest friends I made were people from other countries and other backgrounds."

Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses are imperfect people. Therefore, it may be that they have to keep fighting tendencies toward prejudice.  But knowing that God is impartial gives them a powerful incentive to do so. -Ephesians 5:1, 2.

The rewards for fighting prejudice are many. As we mix with people from other backgrounds, our lives are enriched. Furthermore, by means of his Kingdom, God will soon establish a human society where righteousness will dwell.  (2 Peter 3:13)  At that time prejudice will be conquered forever.  

Next time: The End of Prejudice -  Do I Harbor Prejudice?

From the jw.org publications