And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15)
Instead of the gospel of peace, many people preach the gospel of division and hate. Spreading the good news requires us to see the importance of unity and appreciate the diverse tapestry of God's creation.
Throughout history, we've witnessed powerful moves of God that touched countless lives. But sadly, these movements often ended due to one common enemy: strife. Even way back in 1906, during the Azusa Street revival led by William Seymour, where people from different races and backgrounds experienced the Holy Spirit's outpouring, strife sneaked in and divided the believers along racial lines. It's a pattern we've seen time and again, hindering the advancement of the gospel and robbing us of God's power. Here's the thing: God loves diversity. He's the ultimate artist, delighting in the beautiful and numerous expressions of His creation. On the other hand, the enemy loves to highlight our differences, using them as tools for division and hate. It’s upsetting to keep seeing believers, who should know better, falling into the trap of prejudice and separation.
As the body of Christ, we're called to love one another and demonstrate the transforming power of God's love to the world. When we encounter fellow believers from different races, cultures, or backgrounds, let's remember that their worth and value come from being created in God's image, not their background or the color of their skin. We must watch our words and actions, making sure they align with God's heart. We won't let racial or cultural differences divide us, but we will come together in love. As we break down the walls of division, we pave the way for God's power to flow freely among us.
Practical Application
Celebrate diversity and choose to reject any seeds of strife. Learn about those around you who have a unique background and become an agent of reconciliation. Showing unity in our lives and communities shows the world a better way.