This Thing Called Prejudice
Prejudice is a heart problem. We adopt sinful attitudes towards others and recognizing them is the first step towards removing the blinders and—with God’s help—begin seeing the truth.
Jesus told His disciples to love one another “as I have loved you” (John 13:34). That wouldn’t be so hard if the love Jesus displayed was primarily the write-a-cheque or call-once-a-month kind of love. But Jesus set the bar immeasurably high. Jesus’ kind of love touched the skin of a leper and washed the feet of a soon-to-be betrayer. He didn’t mind interruption by another’s demands, even those of a person all others disdained. Jesus had the uncanny ability to look straight into a person’s soul to see the deepest need there.
Is that an impossible example to follow? You bet it is! That’s why God sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and empower us with His supernatural love. Only when “plugged in” to that power will His followers stand out in their treatment of others and of one another. Then people will take notice and say, “My, how they love one another!” Let these resources set you on the path of loving with the Saviour’s love.
Prejudice is a heart problem. We adopt sinful attitudes towards others and recognizing them is the first step towards removing the blinders and—with God’s help—begin seeing the truth.
If you’re jealous or overprotective of your spouse you risk smothering. True honouring is the opposite—honouring allows your spouse to be free to be his or her own person.
Prejudice is a learned trait, but it can be unlearned. It takes a renewed mind to remove the blinders of prejudice and see people for who they are...instead of what they look like.
A perfect family is not achievable. There will always be disagreements and the clashing of wills. However, through Christ a home filled with grace, forgiveness, and love is achievable.
Just as countries build walls for protection from enemies we build walls around ourselves. Freedom is living without walls; letting go of the bitterness and anger keeping us in bondage.
Chuck Swindoll affirms a reasonably good marriage may not sound exciting but it’s both real and achievable. Marriage enhances life because you’re in it together. The world keeps changing but God’s design for marriage hasn’t. It’s the basis of the family and even society.
It matters that you get involved. This doesn’t necessarily mean joining a protest march; it can be as straightforward as connecting with people and making a positive difference in their lives.
If you feel assaulted by wave after wave of your past blunders, then be encouraged by Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s message on Isaiah 58:6–12. He shows how anyone can get past yesterday’s failures!
Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll in learning from this admirable father’s example and in celebrating and encouraging the great fathers in your life!
Whether it’s your family, friends, job, or home, everything you have is from God. Look within—are you more enamoured with the gifts God gives you than with God Himself?