“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
This list was not meant to be exhaustive. Here’s how it could look today:
There is neither rich nor poor, white nor black, construction worker nor stock trader, republican nor democrat, Syrian nor American… for you are all one in Christ.
Our world typically responds to fear by putting up walls to ensure self — or national — preservation. We are inclined to keep away whomever or whatever scares us.
Of course we need common sense and shouldn’t foolishly put ourselves in harm’s way. But here’s the irony: you would likely not be a follower of Jesus today if the Apostle Paul had not shattered walls of fear by sharing the gospel with the Gentile world. The gospel calls us to move toward those who are different, not away from them.
Politicians have tried, mostly in vain, to bring unity to our world. Sin is what turns cultural, religious, or political differences into hate and violence. Jesus’ gospel unites despite differences and brings lasting peace.
When I was in a ghetto in South Africa, I remember the joy and sense of family I felt. It didn’t matter that my home was on the other side of the planet or that my skin was white and theirs was black. We were all united as followers of Jesus, worshiping together. Whether across the globe or in our own neighborhood, the gospel has the power to destroy fear and to unite through love.
Is fear of others stunting your witness for Christ? Do you keep your distance from those different from you when it comes to politics, ethnicity, or sexual orientation? The gospel calls us to move toward others — to intentionally cross the tracks and share His love.
Dear God, thank You that Your perfect love shatters our walls of fear. Help us to move toward those who are different, to see them with Your eyes. May Your love and compassion flow through us as we share the hope that’s in You. Amen.
By M Jantzen
Used by permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions
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