Breaking barriers

Bible Reading - Mark 7:24-8:21

In Spain, expats often gather at public places during the summer. If a Spanish joins them, he or she would stand out among the crowd right away!

When Jesus, a Jew, entered a Gentile (non-Jew) region and interacted with the people there, He stuck out like a sore thumb too. It is highly unusual for a Jew to hang out with Gentiles, because Jews traditionally thought of Gentiles as ‘unclean’ and of lower status than them.

Clearly, Jesus did not follow the norm. He did a few unthinkable things in the eyes of people at that time. He went into the house of a Gentile to help the people there and meet their needs. He cast a demon out of a Gentile girl, healed a deaf Gentile, and fed a crowd of four thousand.

From this, we know that Jesus’ heart is not just for people of a single culture but for the whole world. His desire is for Jews and Gentiles alike to know the powerful and loving God. In Christ, all are equal, regardless of their culture, background, gender or occupation (Colossians 3:11). He destroys the hatred and prejudices we have against individuals of another culture, gender or socioeconomic status. He makes peace and builds bridges among people.

As God’s people, we have the privilege and responsibility to live out Christ’s barrier-breaking, peace-making love. The passage below tells us how: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:12-15).

Are you harbouring hatred towards someone? Would you let go of your animosity and forgive them? Do you have prejudices against people of other cultures or socioeconomic backgrounds? How can you change your thoughts, speech or actions towards them?

As you spend time on the couch with God, take a moment to pray and reflect on what you've read.