Avoiding the dangerous trap of prejudice

　　September 19

　　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

　　Catherine Booth was known as the “Mother of The Salvation Army.” Wherever she would go, large cross sections of society—princes and paupers alike—would gather to hear her speak. One night as she shared a message, many people came to Christ. After the meeting, a wealthy family entertained her at their home.

　　“Mrs. Booth,” the lady of the manor spoke up, “that meeting was dreadful. When you were speaking, I was looking at the faces of the people standing around me. Many of them looked terrible. I don’t think I shall sleep tonight!”

　　“My dear,” Booth responded, “Don’t you know them? I didn’t bring them with me. They’re your neighbors!”

　　When we look at the world, sometimes it’s easy to begin categorizing people by our prejudices. Whether it be based on race, gender, economic background, or any other construct, these categories can even lead some to look down on others.

　　But that kind of thinking is directly opposed to how God wants us to see people. That’s because the truth is, every person is to be treated as a neighbor no matter how different they are from us.

　　When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform how we see the world, He will change how we see people. So let Him transform any and all of your prejudices into deep love for your fellow man.

　　Prayer Challenge

　　Pray that God will continually transform how you see others so you’ll love all people as your neighbor.

　　Questions for Thought

　　As you think about how you see the world, what prejudices might be keeping you from loving others as Christ commands?

　　What steps can you take today to grow deeper in your love for all people, regardless of how they look or act?

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