No Barriers to Christ
“And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.” Acts 15:19-21
The gospel of Christ is for everyone.
Paul knew that, and he knew that the Gentiles would face enough difficulty in their Christian walk without the Jews creating unnecessary hurdles for them. And so, he recommended a standard that would enable the Gentiles to assimilate easily with other Jewish Christians without creating resentment.
Paul’s recommendation demonstrated both love and wisdom for Jewish and Gentile Christians.
But, what about us?
Do we create unnecessary barriers for others seeking a relationship with Christ?
Do we insist that they follow our manmade traditions rather than God’s Word?
Do we cling to “we’ve always done it this way” rather than asking, “What would Jesus do?”
May we seek love and wisdom, as Paul did, removing unnecessary barriers for people of different backgrounds to incorporate with us, remembering that if we have accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we are all His children.
The gospel of Christ is for everyone.
Paul knew that, and he knew that the Gentiles would face enough difficulty in their Christian walk without the Jews creating unnecessary hurdles for them. And so, he recommended a standard that would enable the Gentiles to assimilate easily with other Jewish Christians without creating resentment.
Paul’s recommendation demonstrated both love and wisdom for Jewish and Gentile Christians.
But, what about us?
Do we create unnecessary barriers for others seeking a relationship with Christ?
Do we insist that they follow our manmade traditions rather than God’s Word?
Do we cling to “we’ve always done it this way” rather than asking, “What would Jesus do?”
May we seek love and wisdom, as Paul did, removing unnecessary barriers for people of different backgrounds to incorporate with us, remembering that if we have accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we are all His children.
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