29th April 2021 – No More Prejudice

Paul’s words to the believers at Colosse instruct us today, saying that our speech and behavior towards fellow believers should reflect our oneness in Christ. Instead of superiority and favouratism, we should demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience towards each other and above all we are to put on love which is the bond of perfection.

Jesus said in John 13:35 “all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” In Christ there are not be any racial barrier. The Jews were circumcised because it was part of their religion and a cultural distinctive which represented the Abrahamic covenant. When the church was born the church was faced with a difficult issue that is whether or not a non-Jew could be a Christian. The early church recognized that Gentile culture was different and the apostles came to the conclusion that it was not cultural conformity to Judaism that saved but faith in Jesus Christ. As a result the elders sent a letter to the churches making it clear that non-Jews could be believers and that circumcision and adherence to the Old Testament Law was not a requirement. These cultural barriers threatened to keep millions out of the church. In our day and age the same holds true for us but our struggle is not with Judaism but with a cultural mindset.

In Christ, there is no social barrier; the church should not show preference due to a person’s social standing. The church should not show preference to the rich or the poor (James 2:1-4). The church should not show preference to either men or women (Galatians 6:28), Jesus is for everyone. Jesus broke through every barrier and obstacle when he ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well.

We may be tempted to let culture or the opinions of society be the foundation for the decisions we make, but obeying the unwavering truth of God’s Word brings stability unavailable anywhere else. In the body of Christ, no race, nationality, or class is better than another. Through the cross Christ has made us one and we are to treat each other with honesty, dignity, and love.

Prejudice distorts what it sees, deceives when it talks, and destroys when it acts. Don’t be one, overcome bias.

My friend, if you do not have peace in your heart right now, Christ can give it to you. He can be that to you, come what may. I encourage you to come to Christ in faith, believing in Him, and trusting Him as your Saviour.