TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:11
Read: Colossians 3:11
Listen: Colossians 3
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus prays for unity among his believers (see John 17:20-21). Later, the Apostle Paul, reminds the early church that Christ unites Jew and Gentile, slave and free. In Christ, all are one. This does not mean that all people are saved (for salvation is only found through faith in Jesus) or that there is no distinction between people. It does mean, however, that all those who have come to Jesus as Savior are unified as one big family. The most important thing is not what marks people as different—financial, political, or racial—but God who makes people one.
If we believe all believers are one in Christ—we should live like it. None of us is better than any other. We are all in equal need of Jesus and should treat one another accordingly. Though we might gravitate toward the people most like us, a Christ-like posture implies expressing humility and love toward others in the family of God, even when uncomfortable differences exist. Rather than walling ourselves off from people with different looks, personalities, preferences, or even political leanings—we are to be people who convey the irresistible warmth of Christ himself.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider the sort of people—especially in the church—who you are not as naturally drawn to. What would it look like this week to take a step of humble love in their direction? Think about this and commit to taking one intentional step in their direction.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
December is CELEBRATION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
