Because We All Belong to Christ

"Christ tears away the wall of partition, the self-love, the dividing prejudice of nationality, and teaches a love for all the human family."  - Ellen G. White

There is a pervasive and harmful element tainting our society. It is driven by hate, ignorance, and xenophobia, or a fear of the unknown. This consistent enmity fades only to reappear with each subsequent generation.

Perhaps you are more familiar with it under the guise of ugly and distasteful thoughts or actions, such as: prejudice, discrimination, racism, or even oppression. It is a sad fact that it is part of what comprises, or makes up, humanity.

Any Christian, who is worth his or her salt, should know that Jesus commands us to love one another as He loves us. In fact, impartiality is one of the traits God demonstrates towards us. And we are expected to show this toward one another. (John 13:34)

Matthew 25:31-46 does an excellent job of illustrating this point. Here, in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, Jesus edifies that God’s people will love others. Including, treating others with kindness; serving them as if it was Christ Himself they were serving.

Spitefulness or maliciousness toward others (you may choose whatever adjective you wish), is not condoned by God in any way, shape, or form. If we treat someone with contempt, we are unfairly abusing them.

We are all created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). Thus, when we focus our maltreatment on someone else, we are in essence hurting another created in God's image. Like us, God loves them and Jesus died for them, as well.

Why is this so difficult for some to grasp..? We, as in every one of us, are of one race; the human race. There is a definite difference between race and ethnicity. The entire human race is composed of many varying ethnicities. (Romans 2:11)

Even John 3:16 shares this point by use of the word "world." The "world" is an obvious reference to all of the ethnic groups around the world. Some may disagree, but it is written there in the Bible, for all to read and ponder.

In closing, it is of great importance to know that by his death on the cross, Jesus Christ put an end to "the dividing wall of hostility" built by animosity towards others. (Ephesians 2:14)

The best thing we, as followers of Jesus, can do is to love and respect each other for who we are and not what we are. If we are guilty of these infractions against others, we must repent. If we are victims, we should offer forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32)

Scripture: Leviticus 19:34; Galatians 3:28; Acts 10:34-35; John 7:24; James 2:9

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me not be partial in my judgment of others, and to love my neighbor as myself. May Your mercy and grace lead the way. In Your name I pray. Amen.

May your days be blessed,

Bev