-Strength for Today- "A Biblical look at God’s Grace and Human Identity." - Acts 17:26
It’s a universal fact, that apart from God’s “miraculous act,” in the Garden of Eden, there would be no life. Scripture says, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life – Genesis 2:7. So, “From one man (Adam), He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live” Acts 17:2.
One’s “prejudice,” and “biased opinion, is biblically is a sign of “ignorance.” And that “disproportioned opinion” isn't biblically based, but is characteristically driven by “color,” “creed,” or “culture. Many Christians fall into this category, because they lack the biblical “knowledge,” and “spiritual guidance” that “pertains to God’s Word.
And for that cause, “The one who hates his brother is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes,” (1 John 2:11), and in such a state, the “light” of God’s wisdom is hindered. “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy” - James 3:17.
Hate is the opposite of love, and is the “fruit” disobedience.” And if not captured by love, it’ll rise up and “rupture God’s true commandment. "The entire law is summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself!' But if, instead of showing love, you attack and tear each other apart, watch out! You will destroy yourselves" (Galatians 5:14-15), so we must conclude that to “pre-judge,” any “human being” is a serious sin. Because, “if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” - James 2:9.
So, when someone “ethnically transgresses,” against any human being the problem isn’t “skin,” but “sin.” “So why do you criticize your brother? Or, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” - Romans 14:10.
Jesus said in John 15: 12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” And as Christians, we must never, “show favoritism.” Jesus’ plan is for the church (Matthew 16:18), and every New Testament church should follow the example and purpose of Jesus, which is to bring people together in local assemblies. “For we were all baptized by f one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. So, the body is not one part but many” - 1 Corinthians 12:13-14.
When in Christ, one's “ethnicity,” “education,” or “social status” is “unimportant,” Because to the “redeemed,” Christ is all that matters – Colossians 3:11.
Author: Plez Lovlelady, Jr., PhD