From the Editor’s Desk: Sexual Crimes From Slavery: Fueling Black and White Relationships
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In biblical times, God established marriage as a holy union. The Bible teaches that when a couple is married, they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). This sacred bond was designed for love, intimacy, and the raising of a family in a safe and committed environment. However, sins like fornication (sex before marriage) and adultery (cheating on your spouse) were considered serious crimes in God’s eyes, punishable by death under the law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10 KJV, Deuteronomy 22:22 KJV).
However, Jesus came with Grace and Truth so we may live abundantly. He gives forgiveness of sins with remittance. If sins are not repented with remission, it is a sin punishable by death in the spirit. That is why many people are given over to a reproach mind. Married people this is a great time to repent your past. 🙂
It is my belief that even though we as blacks were made servants, it was sexual crimes that made us slaves. It was then that God caused the civil war between the North and the South to set us free. The South was burned to the ground. It is sexual fornication and adultery from slavery until today that still fuel the racial tension between whites and blacks. Let’s explore why these sexual sins are viewed as destructive and why God calls us to live holy lives. Let’s talk about it.
1. Marriage in Biblical Times
In ancient times, marriage was a clear and sacred commitment. A woman would leave her family and go to live with her husband (Genesis 2:24). To prove the marriage was consummated, a sheet with a stain of blood was often displayed publicly to show the wife was a virgin (Deuteronomy 22:13-21 KJV). This tradition emphasized the importance of purity and commitment.
Today, some people “shack up” or live together (cohabitate) without getting married. While society may not call this sin, in God’s eyes, the single act of sex bonds two people as one flesh (1 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). Without a formal commitment of marriage, this creates confusion and often leads to broken families.
2. The Consequences of Living Together Before Marriage
Studies have shown that couples who live together before marriage (cohabit) may face challenges in their relationships. Research indicates that cohabiting before engagement is associated with a higher risk of divorce compared to those who wait until after engagement or marriage to live together. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “cohabitation effect.” Source: Institute for Family Studies from the internet on 01/14/2025
3. Divorce Rates and Family Breakdown
In the United States, the divorce rate has declined over the past decade. In 2019, there were 7.6 new divorces per 1,000 women aged 16 and over, down from 9.7 in 2009. Source: Census. gov Retrieved from the internet on 1/14/2025. US Marriages and Divorce Rates 2025
Divorce has far-reaching consequences, especially for children. In 2019, 21.4% of children under age 18 lived with their mother only, and 4.4% lived with their father only. Source: Census.gov Retrieved from the internet on 1/14/2025. Living arrangements of Children
Children living with single parents are more likely to experience economic hardships. In 2019, the poverty rate for children in single-parent families was significantly higher compared to those in married-couple families. Source: OJJDP. Retrieved from the internet 1/14/2925
4. Protection of Families
In ancient times, families depended on stability to survive. There was no birth control, DNA testing, or modern tools to prove paternity. If a woman committed adultery and had a child outside her marriage, it could disrupt the entire family. Who would provide for the child? How would the husband know the child was his? God’s laws protected families from confusion and ensured children were cared for.
5. Respect for Marriage
Adultery and fornication destroy trust and unity in marriage. Marriage is a covenant, a promise made before God, to be faithful. Breaking this covenant not only hurts the couple but also dishonors God, who created marriage to reflect His love and commitment to us. Many say divorce is hard and that regardless who is at fault or ask for the divorce, it is the feeling that a part of them is dying because spiritually it is.
6. Justice Against Sexual Crimes Accusations
The story of the young married maiden and the two corrupt judges (Susanna, in the Book of Daniel’s additions) shows how people in power can misuse it for evil. Two men appointed to judge the people accused Susanna of having sex with a young man in her husbands bath garden. They were angry because she would not sleep with them. They watched her daily and fell in love with her. She refused them so they accused her of adultery (sleeping with another man in the garden) and sentenced her to death. God exposed their lies through his prophet Daniel.
God was angry and declared the judges had grown old and wicked. He sent his angels to kill them by the sword. This story highlights how God values justice and protects the innocent, especially women, who were vulnerable in ancient society. Source: King James Version Apocrypha Books apart of the Bible for 2000 years but were taken out over 100 years ago. Keep this in mind when reading the apocryphal books. Martin Luther said, “Apocrypha–that is, books which are not regarded as equal to the holy Scriptures, and yet are profitable and good to read.” (King James Version Defended page 98.)
This story brings to mind the tragic injustices faced by young Black men during the Jim Crow era. Many were sentenced to hard labor—or worse—because of consensual relationships with white women. If caught, some of these women would cry “rape,” leading to devastating consequences for the men. This is a well-documented fact and serves as a painful reminder of how fornication, the root of this sin, led to widespread suffering.
7. Holiness and Purity
God calls us to live holy lives. Sexual sins defile the body, which is described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 KJV). By avoiding these sins, we honor God with our bodies and reflect His purity in our lives.
8. Community Stability
In small, tight-knit communities, sexual sin could destroy relationships, trust, and peace among neighbors. God’s laws were meant to create harmony and protect the community from division.
God Forgives and Redeems
Although sexual sin is serious, God is merciful and forgiving when we repent. Through Jesus Christ, we receive grace and the opportunity to start fresh (John 8:11 KJV). When a woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus, He said, “Go and sin no more.” This shows us that while God hates sin, He loves sinners and offers forgiveness.
How can understanding God’s purpose for marriage and purity help you honor your relationships?
I believe, that if couples pray together for strength and guidance it shall be granted. I believe that if people commit to being faithful in heart, mind and actions marriages will be successful and make a combat. We all should seek God’s forgiveness, if any one of us has fallen into sin, and trust his power to restore. We ask for forgiveness and we all should be ready to forgive. Let’s honor God’s design for intimacy and protect the sanctity of marriage. Let’s honor God’s design for intimacy and protect the sanctity of marriage. By living according to His Word, we can experience peace, love, and blessings in our relationships.
May our Living Hope in Jesus Christ find you faithful,
Editor in Chief, Angela Clark, M. Ed.
Keyword: #reparations, #racial tension, #Black men and white women, #interracial relationships, #Jim Crow era, #slavery trauma,# reparations debate, #systemic racism, #racial injustice, #interracial marriage, #historical oppression, #white supremacy, #racial history, #psychological trauma,# racial inequality,# Black history, #racial discrimination, #interracial dating stigma, #slavery legacy, #Black and white relationships, #racial reconciliation, #jesus christ is lord, #daily scripture explained, #online bible study, #bible study
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CALL TO SALVATION:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
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