“For God so loved the WORLD, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Did you notice anything in that verse? “God so loved the world” is not followed by “except for the people who are of a particular race” or “except those who struggle financially.” It’s simple: God loves everyone, He includes us all, giving us the greatest gift—salvation. Let’s take a quick dive into Scripture to see how inclusive our God is, and then challenge some of our biases.
God tells us that we are made in His image, a reflection of our great God. Each person you pass on the streets or scroll past on social media is fearfully and wonderfully made, with each day ordained before the foundation of the earth (Psalm 139:14-16). God created everyone this way.
God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
When we receive the gift of Christ, we become children of God. Paul emphasizes that no one is left out in this, not in terms of race, gender, or social status, because we are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28-29). “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” Acts 10:34b-35. God is full of love, inclusion, diversity, and equality.
The parable of the great banquet in Luke 14 has caught my attention. We find typical people being invited to the event, yet they weren’t able to come. Then the servant is told with urgency to go out and invite the poor and disabled, two people groups often not included. Jesus, who was telling this parable, was making a point of who we should be inviting. Let’s pause and reflect on who is in our church’s ministry. Who is included? Consider their status: Disabled? Blue collar? The elite? Is it a body made up of many races, disabilities, and the poor? If your area is more affluent, maybe God is asking you to bring Jesus to them?
Jesus’ ministry was a shining example of what we, the church, should strive for. His interactions with those marginalized due to gender, age, ethnicity, disability, or being outcasts, like lepers, were astonishing. He didn’t ignore them like we may do; quite the opposite—He approached them. Think of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, a place known for the gathering of the disabled yearning to be healed. Imagine the disciples’ thoughts as they followed Jesus to the pool area, feeling awkward about approaching people so socially wrong and different. There might have been people moaning, some drooling, others with deformed bodies, not a very comfortable place to be. Yet, Jesus went there to include this population with His love and compassion. What about us? Are we opening our doors and our lives to include the uncomfortable? I’ve found that it’s only uncomfortable until you step into it, and then you start to see the beautiful creation God has made.
God made the gospel fully accessible so that everyone worldwide has the opportunity to find forgiveness and eternal life in His presence. Lord, cultivate in us hearts like Yours—compassionate and inclusive—so that we may more fully embody Christ’s love. Help us to welcome all into the hope of Jesus and to build a church family marked by love, unity, and acceptance.
