Counsel #4 — Inclusive Identity

Picture: Counsel #4 — Inclusive IdentityCI 21.1

Your identity in Christ is inclusive! God is no respecter of persons. God loves you with all His heart, regardless of your gender, race, age, social status, or educational level.CI 21.2

Despite clear biblical injunctions to love your neighbor and Paul’s declaration that God “has made from one blood every nation of men” (Acts 17:26), some who identify falsely as Christians continue to practice the evil of racism, non-inclusion, and acts of violence toward others who they view as different and inferior.^{[19]https://adventist.news/news/gods-call-to-live-in-healing-and-harmony} As God’s followers, we are called to love, to make no racial or social distinctions, and to practice the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), showing kindness to all people.CI 21.3

“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.” Galatians 3:27 NKJVCI 21.4

“All are one in Christ. Birth, station, nationality, or color cannot elevate or degrade men. The character makes the man. If a red man, a Chinaman, or an African gives his heart to God, in obedience and faith, Jesus loves him none the less for his color. He calls him his well-beloved brother.” Ellen White in The Southern Work, pp. 12, 13CI 21.5

Reflect: Do you feel superior to others because of your race, education, social status, or position in your community? If so, ask God to help you overcome your prejudice.CI 21.6