Prejudice – is pre-judging. It makes you see those who don’t endorse what you believe as enemies. You attribute commendable qualities to the circle you move in, and negative ones to those outside it. That’s not what Jesus did. He befriended and fellowshipped with sinners and societal outcasts – without compromising who He was or endorsing their lifestyle.
The Bible cautions against ‘hasty…premature judgments’, and reminds us that ‘the Lord…will…bring to light…things that are […hidden]…aims, (motives and purposes) of hearts’ (v. 5 AMPC). He’s the only one qualified to ‘discern the thoughts and intents of the heart’ (Hebrews 4:12 ASV). So if you’re inclined to jump ‘to conclusions…before all the evidence is in’ (1 Corinthians 4:5 MSG), here’s some food for thought:
1) Face your prejudice. List all the people you don’t count as friends, people you actually go out of your way not to have a relationship with, and start loving them ‘by…actions and true caring’ (1 John 3:18 NCV).
2) Drop the mask. Look inside your heart and ask yourself what it is about the other person that bothers you. Are there similarities between you? Are they expressing something you’re hiding from?
3) Get to know the other person. Paul said, ‘I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT).
Whether or not you decide to continue the relationship, you’ll discover the power of your mind to obstruct, delude, and turn something into what it’s not. Plus you’ll have a better chance of winning others to Christ, because ‘love never fails’ (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV).
Luke 17:20-37, Psalm 94-96
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