“So, when you asked me to come here, I was happy to come. I knew that it was the right thing to do.”
(Acts 10:29)
In the first century, racism was an accepted component of their culture. Jews and Gentiles did not associate with one another. A Jew would never associate with a Gentile much less accept an invitation to visit their home.
Although Peter learned from Jesus that racism and bigotry had no place in the Kingdom of God, he still struggled with the concept because of his upbringing. As the gospel spread, God worked with Peter personally to help him overcome his prejudice.
Eventually, Peter reported that God had shown him it was wrong to discriminate against someone of a different race or religion. Peter responded to the invitation from Cornelius and through that single encounter, the good news of Christ was heard and received by everyone who gathered in the Gentile’s home that day. They were baptized in water and in the Spirit, thus confirming that salvation had come to all people, regardless of race, religion, or social standing.
When God acts on behalf of any group of people, He relies on other humans to serve as His hands and voice in the physical environment. Through the kindness and compassion of His people, He delivers acceptance and equality to all, despite cultural differences or ethnic backgrounds. God has chosen specific individuals to bridge the gap between social constructs that are divisive.
You are one of those chosen people. You use the gifts God gave you for the greater good of all humanity. You remain alert to the differences and seek to find common ground.
You are a generous person who is willing to share your time, energy, resources, and experience with anyone who wishes to understand more about the God you serve.
You enjoy human connections and it brings you an enormous sense of purpose to build bridges rather than walls.
Your ministry of diversity and inclusion is what guides your life and reveals your true purpose. You do not concern yourself with foolish comments others may make regarding your efforts or the worthiness of the recipients. You follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and feel no need to defend your call.
Your passion for inclusion may not make sense to anyone but you and God, but that’s okay. As you use your communication skills to unite people, you have discovered your divine destiny and learned what it means to live your best life.
