God made us all different with varied beliefs Today's Scripture:
In Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free person, male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28
During Jesus' time, the culture was filled with social division. Jews kept their distance from Gentiles. Slaves were treated like property instead of people. A woman's worth was often determined by her ability to bear children. She wasn't allowed to study the Scriptures or own property. Men and women who weren't acquainted wouldn't dare speak in public, and even those who knew each other well would never have any kind of physical contact outside their own home.
Jesus changed all that. He spoke with women, taught them, and encouraged them to teach others. He took those who were ill by the hand, regardless of their gender.
Jesus conversed with Jews and Gentiles, servants and leaders, tax collectors and prostitutes.
He even dared to touch lepers, who were considered the lowest of all outcasts by the rest of society. Jesus treated every person with dignity and compassion. That's because he knew who each individual really was - a person created in the image of God.
Selah people' and friends the way people look, act, and live is incredibly diverse, but each one has the same value in God's eyes. If racial, social, and gender distinctions don't hinder God's love for individuals, they shouldn't hinder yours. Allow the words for the book of Galatians to challenge any kind of prejudice that may be hidden in your heart. Ask God to help you see people as he does - worthy of your love, your time, and your wholehearted acceptance.
"You and I can disagree or agree to disagree with people's opinions, beliefs, or lifestyle and still love and accept them as individuals and children of God. Read through the book of John, taking special note of how Jesus does exactly that.
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile: Mount Olive, NC
Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ
Four Oaks, NC
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