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In Hope

Prejudice And Peace

Friday February 9, 2018

Stories of intolerance and prejudice air regularly on the news networks. Sadly, this kind of thinking and acting has been common place throughout the centuries.  History shows that many wars have been started because of prejudice and hatred between races and sexes, religious and political groups.  The rich judge the poor, and the poor judge the rich.  The list is endless.

When we come into recovery, if we want others to treat us with respect, then we need to respond with respect towards them.  This is the first step towards us seeing others as God sees them and to living in peace.

I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.  In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  (Acts 10:34-35 NLT, Galatians 3:28 NIV)

We don’t have to approve of another's beliefs, choices, and actions.  However, the Bible tells us we are to “show proper respect to everyone” (1 Peter 2:17 NIV).  To embrace God’s way of living in recovery we must do all we can to see walls broken down and individuals come together to honestly and respectfully interact with one another for the good of all. 

Prejudice won't go away simply because we try to ignore it.  Responding to hate and discrimination with anger is often more harmful than helpful.  We must learn to separate people from words or actions and learn how to deal with individuals in whose presence we might feel uncomfortable.  Where troubles and tensions exist, we need to take a step back and sort out what’s really going on.  What arises in our own hearts is what needs to be addressed so that everyone around us may be lifted up, protected, and can live peacefully with one another. 


In a nutshell, to move from prejudice to peace we must listen long, talk to God, and continue to talk respectfully to one another.

Prayer:  Loving God, Help me to identify any prejudice I may hold in my own heart. Forgive me if I’ve built walls rather than bridges.  Help me to let go of all prejudice.  Strengthen me to walk with wisdom and respect before You and others.  Amen


©2017 Partners in Hope  
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Audio for Prejudice And Peace

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