Bigotry, and discrimination, What does the bible say?

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:28

In bible times, there were many groups that were against each other i.e.: Jews, Gentiles, Samaritans, and Greeks to name a few.  Their bigotry or, we might say, discrimination was mostly based on their religious beliefs or their lack of beliefs.  

Sometimes wars were caused by these bigotries.  Whole towns were full of one belief group or another.  Samaritans didn't like Jews passing through their area.  It is not mentioned whether any of these bigotries were based on color of skin but they seemed to have plenty of other reasons for disliking each other.



Today we still have issues with discrimination and sometimes it is getting worse instead of better.  What are we as Christians doing about it? Are we adding to the fear and bigotry? Are we involved with hate groups, violence, and division?   Are we picketing, fighting, yelling, and arguing?  How can we show Christ's love to all if we allow ourselves to get involved to such a degree that people can't tell we are Christians by our behavior?

As Christians, where do we stand?  See the verse above from Galatians.  Christians are all one, no matter their race or sex and as Christians we are taught by Christ's example to love everyone, Christian or not. 

15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Mark 2:15, 16

Jesus did not discriminate because He wanted everyone to know Him and to follow Him.  He loved and loves each and every person no matter what.  If we follow His example, then we must do the same.  

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor. James 4:12




I know there are sins that are becoming acceptable in our society today and we can not pretend as if there is nothing wrong,  BUT we must still love the sinner.  We know that all sins are unacceptable to God, and therefore to us, but don't confuse the sin with the person who is sinning. 

We can know that a person's lifestyle is not God's will but we can still show love and compassion to the person in the hopes of showing them God's plan for their lives. We can be their friends.

For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. Romans 1:27  









No one is perfect, not me and not you. If we become judgmental about people who may be committing various sins and we start creating a hierarchy of sins where one is worse than another, than we are in error.  We all sin, even when we don't want or mean to.  The only difference between Christians and those who don't know Christ yet is that we bring our sins to God and He forgives us, as long as we make every effort to not commit that sin again.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:26



Even Paul fought with his own sinful nature.  

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Roman 7:28

The world today is in turmoil over accepting everything from everybody (except Christians).  This is termed political correctness and anyone who does not willing to embrace all beliefs is considered a bigot.  It is difficult to be a Christian among all of this "acceptance" when the Holy Spirit is crying out within us. 

All we can do is be the best Christian we can be and leave the rest up to God. We know that the world gets more sinful everyday.  In contrast we must fight with all our might to get closer to God everyday or we could lose our way.  It is not going to get easier to be a Christian but God has a plan.  We have a choice.  












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