“Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you.” — Deuteronomy 15:15 (NRSV)
Slavery’s Continuing Impact
Today, the world remembers the millions of people who suffered and died through the trans-Atlantic slave trade. For centuries, men, women, and children were violently taken from their homes, transported across the ocean in brutal conditions, and forced into lives of enslavement.
The legacy of slavery continues to shape societies today. Systems of racial inequality, economic disparities, and ongoing discrimination are part of this painful history. Remembering the victims is not only about looking backward – it is about acknowledging the truth and committing ourselves to a more just future.
Scripture often calls God’s people to remember their history, especially the experiences of suffering and liberation. Remembering helps us remain compassionate and vigilant against injustice. It reminds us that the work of justice and reconciliation remains unfinished.
Prayer
God of memory and hope,
We remember the countless lives lost and broken through the cruelty of slavery.
Comfort those who still bear the wounds of this history.
Lead us in the work of healing, justice, and reconciliation.
Amen.
About This Series
Each post in this week-long series is part of Bethel Church of the Nazarene’s reflection during the United Nations’ Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination (March 21–27, annually). Observed around the world, this week invites communities to remember the harms caused by racism, stand in solidarity with those who experience discrimination, and recommit ourselves to justice and dignity for all people.
Through scripture, prayer, and reflection, we seek to listen, learn, and respond faithfully to God’s call to love our neighbors and work toward a more just and compassionate world. Previous posts have included:
