Galatians 3:26-29
For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you. Galatians 3:26-29 (NLT)
The first thing that comes to mind for me reading this passage is how often we find the differences between ourselves and others rather than looking for commonalities. Paul knew this all too well as he wrote this letter, as the clear division between Jew and Gentile defined all walks of life.
For me, this distinction didn’t make much sense as I grew up. In my head at least, there were no political lines or countries that I could wrap my head around. Looking up the definition, you find that it really does boil down to “anyone who is not Jewish.” Which helps put this passage into more context because only the Jewish people were supposed to receive the promised land and life with God. Jesus came along, and he changed all of that.
After Jesus gave Himself for us, anyone and everyone who believes in Him receives the gift of eternal life. His sacrifice crosses all boundaries, all divisions, all categories that we humans try to erect between ourselves and others. There is no “in group/out group” dynamic with God and Jesus. All are welcome and saved.
It comes as no surprise to me that God can do this when we humans cannot stop separating ourselves. Even within Christianity, we insist on creating denominations that claim the “right way” to worship or believe. How incredible is that? Think of the full meaning of what God does to bring us together and to Him. Like screaming toddlers, we fight it, and He takes us anyway. Hallelujah! I can never earn that, and I thank God that He accepts me anyway.
Questions for Reflection:
- As a sports fan, I enjoy the “us/them” dynamic, but when/how have you let that creep into other areas of your life?
- What ways might we Christians model the goal to find common ground for anyone we meet?
- Where do you feel called to bridge a gap or find a compromise?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, remind us of what we share. Too often we seek to find the differences that can justify keeping what we have from others or giving fair opportunities. Give us the confidence to know that Your love is unwavering and that allowing others to have what we have does not diminish the worth of that love, that time, those talents. Help us to see Your vision for unity. Amen.
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