Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

One of the things that struck me about a mission trip I was on, was meeting and getting to know all of the children that my team interacted with. At first, I was hesitant about meeting so many new people who were so different from me and lived in unfamiliar surroundings. But as I saw the joy on the children’s faces and realized that so many of them wanted to be friends, my fears faded. What amazed me even more was how easily I could talk about faith and life with these children. The differences didn’t matter because we found a unity in Christ that transcended the differences.

All too often we let differences divide us. We tend to be afraid of other people or new situations, and we don’t take the time to see each other as children of God who are created in his image.

The Apostle Paul wanted his readers to know that their differences didn’t matter either. What really matters is Christ Jesus. As we believe in Him, we are all one, no matter our ethnic background, or our gender, or our economic or social status. We belong to Him as God’s children. That’s an important thing to remember in a world that seeks to divide and frighten us. We find our unity in Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

Prayer:  Father, help us to remember all that unites us, and help us to seek unity as we broaden our community in You. Even if they are different from us, or don’t understand us, help us to understand and love them in Christ. Amen.