Galatians 3:28-29
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
English Standard Version
I remember walking into the church for the first time with a sense that I didn’t belong there. My life was a mess, I was a single mother of two, near destitute, mentally broken, unstable, and a sinner beyond sinners. My shame spoke louder than the sermon.
That was 23 years ago. I returned and never stopped. I found acceptance through the words of Jesus Christ. He loved the woman at the well. (John 4); and the woman caught in adultery (John 8). Jesus stood up for the poor, the weak, the widowed, and the tax collectors. Jesus loved all. If he was for those ‘out on the margins,‘ I believed he was for me, too.
Paul fought hard for the converts in the Book of Galatians. His tone was sharp when confronting the arguments regarding the movement in Jesus Christ and the Mosaic Law. It was a point where the Old Law and the New Law collide, and his passion indicates a strong push to embrace unity in Christ.
If Paul were alive today, this fight would carry on. Many cultural changes have taken place in the last thousands of years, but the arguments remain. (sadly) While the scripture revolves around Law, today we see issues of inclusiveness daily.
Paul’s passion for the Gentiles ignites passion in me for those like me and many others who long to feel accepted and loved. There are men and women out there who want so desperately to walk in the doors of a Sanctuary and feel safe. They do not want the looks, fake smiles, or fear to step between them and the man they call a Savior.
There will be a day where these fruitless fights will cease. We will all enter the gates of heaven as one. If we lived by what was best, today we would walk this world for the glory of the Kingdom as one. Until then, know God is for you, and you are HIS!
Authentic Truths 