ICS Daily Devotions
Sincere Love Accepts Everyone
Rom 12:9-10 (AMP) Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor.
1 Peter 1:22 (NKJV) Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.
The Apostle Paul was treated very differently as a prisoner because he was a Roman citizen. He was placed under house arrest and visitors were allowed. It would have been very different if he was not a citizen. A certain segment of the people in the world is very particular about color and nationality. They apply double standard to different people. It has to do with stereotyping and having prejudice. When we see a certain nationality then we think that they are lazy and will be looking for handouts. We might think that certain nationality that is closed minded and not open to new ideas. We can also be suspicious of a certain nationality who is more laid back and lack discipline when it comes to punctuality. Certain nationalities may believe that they are the most superior race in the whole world. And the list can go on.
The gospel is the power of God that removes the “dividing wall” between races, cultures, ethnicities, social classes, and genders. That’s sincere love. The good Samaritan was not concerned about the injured person ethnic group or nationality. All he saw was an injured man who needed help. He went out of his way to help person be nursed back to health. He took time, effort and even financial commitment to ensure that the person who needed help gets it. He did it without expecting anything in return. That is true biblical love! It is sincere, unselfish, without prejudice and unconditional.
Gal 3:28 (NKJV) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Col 3:11 (NKJV) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
The church should lead the way to deal with racism by choosing to look at each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are in Christ. When we have our identity in Christ then there is neither Greek nor Jew. When someone really grasps the truth of our identity in Christ, he or she will be able to treat everyone equally without prejudice. One of the many ways to get to know people from a new culture is to invite them out for a meal to make them feel at home. This is a good way to fellowship and understand each other‘s culture. It is always more relaxing and conducive to talk over a meal.
There is a tendency for us to gravitate towards people of the same culture, color and nationality. But As Christians, we should treat everyone with sincere love regardless of race and color. We must not allow racism and partiality in the church. We have the common bond of love because of our love for Christ and His love for us. When we talk about sincere love, it is to go the extra mile to help the person feel loved and accepted no matter whether they belong to the minority group in the church.
Series: Living out the New Identity
