Stepping Stones: The Invisible Walls of Prejudice

Transformational Tip

Most of us tend to pre-judge people on the basis of how they dress, what their family members are like, stereotypes built by the media of particular ethnic groups, and on many other superficial and erroneous grounds.

There is a danger in rejecting or misjudging someone because they are different from us. First of all, the Bible tells us that prejudice is a sin, one that blocks our ability to love others as we should. We could even miss blessings, both in this world and in the eternal, from God by rejecting strangers due to prejudice.

This was the mistake that the people of Jesus' time made when they rejected him as the promised Messiah and King. Because Jesus did not come in the way they expected a king to come, they crucified him.

We can also miss…an opportunity to bless others (and be blessed by them and God)…maybe even an opportunity to help them find Jesus (or have them help us find Jesus more clearly in an advanced way)…when we allow these invisible walls of prejudice, even subtle one, to build.

These walls are made from our ignorance, insecurity, and lack of trust in God, His power and sovereignty. Allow God into these areas and our lenses of prejudice will be cleaned allowing us to see people as God sees them.

Today, ask God to help you see the walls you have built and to begin removing those barriers between you and others. Ask him to help you begin to look on the inside and see people as he does. Only then can the love of Jesus flow freely through you to everyone he brings your way.

Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective how building walls with prejudice have impacted your life.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I do want the love of Jesus to flow freely through me to every person You place on my pathway. Forgive me for sometimes blocking this flow by judging others by outward appearances. Help me see each individual as You do and respond to them with Your love. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who sees all the best in me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
James 2:8-9