The Bible has a lot to say about racism, slavery, and unfair treatment of immigrants. Oppression is so not Jesus, yet there are many willing to deny others the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness in the name of God. Jesus preached unity for those in the faith, and condemned oppression practiced by those in and “outside the gate.” The word for today is #one:
A bible from 1859. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 NKJV
Friend, it’s easy to point the finger at obvious oppressions, like nations that refuse to allow women the right to vote or get an education, and those who refuse to allow Christians the right own property or get a job. Looking in the mirror, what is your deeper truth? Do you go to church on Sundays and then refuse to pay your workers decent wages? Have you refused to promote an employee because of the color of their skin, despite their stellar job performance? Have you squandered your children’s inheritance by addictions to gambling, drugs, or alcohol? Can you honestly say “I oppress no one?”
Let us pray to God to forgive our self-centeredness and obstinacy in denying others the freedoms we so jealously guard for ourselves. Ask God for insight, guidance and fortitude to make fair choices and not care what others think about us.
Until next time, “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!”
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
© 2014 Verneda Lights. All rights reserved.
