In 1 Corinthians 9:20-21, Paul describes people with different practices and identities—and then explains that he became like each group in order to tell them the good news.
Though we know our primary identity is in Jesus Christ, we each have a specific background that informs our life. Our ethnicity, family, and other identifiers were given to us by God. He formed every detail—and each of us uniquely bears His image. He wants us to honor His image in one another, no matter how different our backgrounds or circumstances.
That’s part of what it means to belong to the body of Christ—to fully embrace one another’s differences, understanding that God uses every part of who we are to bring Him glory. That should affect how we think of people who aren’t like us, especially other believers. It should also influence the way we evangelize—letting people come as they are, free to be themselves.
Think about it
• Can you think of a time when you became aware of ways you were different from a group? Can you remember if anything made you feel welcome, in spite of those differences? If not, what intensified your awareness of not fitting in? Consider how to apply your insights in your community.
