In his autobiography, Mahatma Gandhi wrote that during his student days he read the Gospels seriously and considered converting to Christianity. He believed that in the teachings of Jesus he could find the solution to the caste system that was dividing the people of India.
So, one Sunday he decided to attend services at a nearby church and talk to the minister about becoming a Christian. When he entered the sanctuary, however, the usher refused to give him a seat and suggested that he go worship with his own people.
Gandhi left the church and never returned. "If Christians have caste differences also," he said, "I might as well remain a Hindu." That usher's prejudice not only betrayed Jesus but also turned a person away from trusting Him as Savior. - taken from Our Daily Bread, March 6, 1994
An infectious and destructive force has been gaining world-wide momentum in recent years. It is an ancient enemy that has consistently plagued mankind, spreading hate, denigration, and suffering throughout.
The culprit I am speaking of is: prejudice. We, as a species (humans) have a natural inclination toward prejudice. And though we may read or hear a lot about it, are we able to describe it satisfactorily?
For the sake of our discussion here, a very basic definition of prejudice is "a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience." We are most familiar with it as it is applied towards an individual or a group.
The Bible contains many accounts of incidents in which prejudice reared its ugly head. During Old Testament and New Testament times racial, national, and sexual prejudice was prevalent.
God, being well aware of our prejudicious tendencies, gracefully offered His help. For instance, incorporated within the Law for Israel, given to Moses, were moral and ethical standards, unprecedented at that time (Deuteronomy 4:8; Leviticus 19:34; Leviticus 20:26).
During Jesus' time there was widespread prejudice between the Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritans. Jesus rose above all of it by stressing the faith of a Gentile, and the thoughtfulness and consideration of a Samaritan (Matthew 8:10-11; Luke 10:30-36).
What can we glean from these and other examples pertaining to prejudice in the Bible? We recognize the problem lies with a negative attitude towards others. We also know that the teachings of Jesus counter or oppose prejudice (Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:27-31).
If one learns anything from reading and studying the Bible, it's that there is no room in the heart of a believer for prejudice. We are to practice humility, obedience, and love, both for God and each other (Romans 13:7-9).
By practicing prejudice against another, we are not only being arrogant or prideful, we are going against Jesus' command in our behavior toward our brothers and sisters (Philippians 2:3). Prejudice and love don't mix!
When we are unwilling to love others created in His image we are not loving God to our fullest (Matthew 7:12; 1 John 4:20-21). Only by recognizing our prejudice as God does can we seek forgiveness and ask Him for help to change it (1 John 1:19).
Scripture: Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 4:32; Acts 10:34; John 7:24; 1 Samuel 16:7
Prayer: Dear Lord, You came and preached peace to both outsiders and insiders alike. You treated us as equals, and thus made us equals. Through You we share the same Spirit and have equal access to You. Amen.
Love and blessings,
Melanie
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