Inclusion vs. Exclusion

When have you felt like an “other”—been “othered”—because of differences? Skin color? Gender? Faith tradition? Political belief? Culture?

Scripture tells us that we are not only made to live in relationships, in community, with others, we are also NOT to exclude based on differences—especially not ones that are racially-defined. Paul tells us that, because of Christ’s saving work on the cross, people who were formerly separated by race: believing Jews and Gentiles, are now one. Gentiles, once excluded, called foreigners, without hope—have now been “brought near by the blood of Christ” and become believers—and are to be considered equals.

Jesus doesn’t just bring peace between people groups—He IS peace. He unites the formerly divided. He has destroyed whatever barriers we humans have put up between us and the “other.” He has removed any reason for hostility. Paul is clear—Jesus’ “purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” There is no inequality based on race or culture.

The new diversity of believers no longer is to use terms like “foreigner,” “stranger”. Instead, everyone is a “citizen”, “God’s people”, “members of God’s household.” Unity with diversity now marks the people of God.

Reflect:

Pray through Ephesians 2:11-22 today—asking God to make us a people who include and reconcile as Christ has done between us and God:

Ephesians 2 Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.  Contact Shirley.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.