Today's Scripture
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts." 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Our natural tendency as human beings is to be attracted to sameness and resist all that is different. We congregate with people who are like us—the same color, culture, social level or income bracket. We tend to mistrust and even resist anyone who is different.

People often judge others by what they see on the outside. They lump everyone from a particular racial or cultural group in one basket. They shun one another and even engage wars against each other based solely on racial identity.

Aren't you glad Jesus doesn't see us that way? He loves us regardless of our race or culture or career or income. He searches every heart. He is interested in what's inside.

Consider this…
Let's ask Jesus to help us search other people's hearts and see them through his eyes. As God's creation … designed in his image. Jesus gave his life for all people of all races and cultures. He sees everyone through eyes of love and compassion. He looks beyond faults to needs. It is time for us to let go of our prejudices and see others as Jesus does.

Prayer
Father, help me to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Reveal to me any prejudices I may have hidden in my heart. Forgive me, and help me to let go of them and the walls they create. Help me to stop looking at the outside and to truly search every heart. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
One Nation Under God: Toward Race Reconciliation
. This study shows that the foundational truth for the entire process of overcoming prejudice is oneness in Christ. This guide discusses the barriers and shows how to make Christ visible through love in action. It also offers the way to strengthen and bond relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

Visit our website to read more about this study and learn more about Living Free small groups.  

 

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