We all know what it’s like to feel like an outsider at times. Quite often I feel like I am too different or too quirky, to those of my own age, to be accepted. I have always found it difficult to fit in and make friends easily – to feel like I really belong.
In your personal life, you may have encountered racism, sexism or discrimination, that has left you feeling outcasted. The world can be a harsh place, and some people instead of accepting us for who we are, chose to segregate us and leave us alone. We never have to worry about any of this when it comes to God’s family. He accepts us as we are. There can never be someone who is too messed up, too hurt or too different for God. God loves us, for us. Our value comes from Him and He welcomes us all, just as we are.
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28
“So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.”
Ephesians 2:19
In the Bible, we read about how Ruth chose to be an outsider. Living in a culture that devalued women – especially those without husbands – Ruth was up against the steepest odds. Ruth felt the sting of sexism and the bite of racism. However, there was something about Ruth that wouldn’t allow hatred to stop her. She found her strength in God and learnt that a person’s worth is not found in the externals. The Book of Ruth displays the message of God’s wholehearted love for all people.
“Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to seperate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.”
Ruth 1: 15-18
Being a Christian makes us different to the world; we become outsiders. But that’s the whole point, we are meant to be different. We are to expect persecution and hardships because of our beliefs. Despite this, we must be like Ruth, embrace the truth of our value and be comforted that we are a part of God’s family. That we are chosen by Him, exactly as we are.
Be encouraged! Although you may feel excluded from the world, you will never be from God’s family. You will find no outsiders there!
God Bless! 🙂
STEADFAST 