Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Christian approach to the untouchables

Romans 3:21-31
v22-24 “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

                In the chapters and verses leading up to today’s portion, the people are given a dark and bleak picture of the consequences of sins and disobeying the scriptures. But when we arrive to Romans 3:21 Paul gives the people words of hope and salvation. All humankind were subject to the punishment of sin and the damage it does to the soul, but through Jesus Christ we are given hope anew. God gave is one and only son so that through his sacrifice humanity becomes reconciled with Him. Paul states clearly here that this gift was not a treasure to be secluded away or set apart for a select group. He mentions that there is no difference between Jew or Gentile and everyone has fallen short of God’s glory, and as such this gift is for all who accept and faith in God’s gift and Son Jesus Christ. As stated in John 3:16 “...so that anyone who believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life.” Paul’s words are a reminder that we are all sinners, but we all have hope through Christ, the gospel is not something to keep hidden away but to share to all who are willing to listen.
                Today we are focusing on the “Christian approach to the untouchables.” Why are people considered untouchables? In the biblical days the untouchables would be known as those who had disease or physical deformities and lived in the town/cities or they would be they a people from another region who did share the same views or practices. In today’s world, untouchables can loosely translate to anyone who is not accepted by society or that people have a bias against. Untouchables is a negative term that should not be used in the modern day anymore. To deny anyone love, acceptance, or basic humanity over even the simplest of reasons is heart breaking. We are lucky as Christians to be redeemed through Christ and his salvation, but this is not our gift alone. As Paul says there is no difference between one person or another, the redemption through Christ and His love is given to those who believe in him. It is our responsibility to share the light we have been given with others, it can be as simple as saying “hi” the one who sits by them self or volunteering at your local shelter. Remember it is not in grand gestures that make society move and change, sometimes it is in the small acts of kindness and love that breaks down barriers and makes a world a better place to live. God gave a gift to those who believe in him not to hide but to share with others, no one said it would be easy but we need to take that first step if we want to make a change.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone's hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”  -Vera Nazarian  

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of eternal life you have given us, help us to overcome out conscious and unconscious bias so that we may reach out to those who are in need and show them the gift of your love. 
 
Bently Joseph
St. John’s MTC, New York  

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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