Prejudice
Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Owen Lynch:
What did I like about today’s passage?
I like Paul’s focus in these chapters on the unity of humanity. As a Jew, Paul tended to divide humanity into Jews and those who weren’t Jews (Gentiles), but Paul’s view of humanity was radically altered by his personal experience of Jesus. Now for Paul, as described in his letter to the Galatians (3:28) - “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Perhaps in Romans 10-12, Paul was addressing prejudice amongst the Gentiles towards to Jews (which is ironic!) But whatever the reason, Paul is clear that there is no room for prejudice amongst human beings because we are all one in Christ Jesus.
During this time of global pandemic, I am finding myself deeply moved by the sense of increased unity across the planet in the face of this adversity. (I wish this were perfectly so, because it is also clear that there are many examples of deep seated prejudice and inequality). After the division created by the Brexit referendum that we have seen in recent years, it is heartening to see people across the UK coming together in the face of the challenge posed by the Covid-19 virus.
Not only is all of humanity one in Christ Jesus, we all need each other. Chapter 12 describes how we all need each other’s unique talents, temperament and personality and that we all need to be devoted to one another, bless rather than curse, and as far as is possible live in peace with one another.
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
It shows me that all of humanity is made in God’s image and that just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit live in complete love and unity, it is God’s desire and intention that all of humanity would live in complete love and unity.
What am I going to do differently as a result?
I am going to reexamine my heart and ask Holy Spirit to expose the deep seated prejudice that shapes my behaviour towards other people.
Who am I going to share this with?
I am going to confess the deep seated prejudices with a trusted friend and ask them to call me to account on this.