"Bias" | May 18, 2025 | Ps Joel Lowery

In a world often divided by race, culture, and social status, it's easy to forget that God's love knows no boundaries. The story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10 serves as a powerful reminder that God shows no favoritism and desires for all people to know Him.

Imagine being raised with strict religious and cultural rules, only to have God challenge everything you've ever known. This was Peter's experience when God gave him a vision of unclean animals and commanded him to eat. Peter's initial response? "No, Lord!" It's a moment that many of us can relate to – when God asks us to step out of our comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory.

But God wasn't just changing Peter's dietary restrictions. He was preparing Peter's heart for a much bigger shift: breaking down the walls between Jews and Gentiles. Meanwhile, God was also at work in the heart of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. An angel appeared to Cornelius, instructing him to send for Peter. This divine orchestration demonstrates how God works on both sides of cultural divides to bring His people together.

The beauty of this story lies in the immediate obedience of both men. Cornelius didn't hesitate to send for Peter, and Peter, despite his initial resistance, followed God's leading to enter a Gentile home – something strictly forbidden in Jewish custom. This willingness to obey, even when it goes against everything we've known, is at the heart of true discipleship.

As Peter entered Cornelius's home, he found a room full of expectant Gentiles, eager to hear God's message. It was in this moment that Peter declared, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." This revelation marked a pivotal moment in the early church, opening the doors for the gospel to spread to all nations.

This story challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions. Are we, like Peter, willing to let go of our preconceptions and biases? Are we ready to step into uncomfortable situations for the sake of sharing God's love? The call to break down barriers isn't just a historical event – it's a present-day mandate for all followers of Christ.

Consider the diversity in your own community. Perhaps there are immigrant populations, people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, or those with different political views. How can we, as followers of Jesus, bridge these gaps and show God's love to all?

Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Acknowledge our biases: We all have them. The first step in overcoming bias is recognizing it exists within us.

2. Seek to understand: Take time to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Listen to people's stories with an open heart.

3. Create margin: Make space in your life – financially, emotionally, and time-wise – to be available when God calls you to reach out to others.

4. Expect God to move: Like Cornelius, who gathered his friends and family in anticipation of Peter's message, we should live with expectancy that God will use us to impact others.

5. Be willing to be uncomfortable: Growth often happens outside our comfort zones. Be willing to enter situations where you might feel out of place for the sake of building bridges.

6. Keep Jesus at the center: When we focus on our shared love for Christ, our differences become less important than our unity in Him.

Remember, the early church faced significant cultural and social barriers, yet they persevered in spreading the gospel to all nations. Their obedience and willingness to cross cultural lines is the reason we can gather and worship freely today, regardless of our ethnic or cultural background.

As we reflect on this powerful story, let's challenge ourselves to be more like Peter and Cornelius. Let's be quick to obey God's leading, even when it doesn't make sense to us. Let's be willing to step out of our comfort zones and into the lives of those who are different from us. And let's always remember that in God's eyes, every person is valuable and worthy of His love.

The message of God's love isn't meant to be contained within our comfortable church walls or familiar social circles. It's meant to be shared with everyone, everywhere. As the scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name." This promise is for all people, and we have the privilege of being the messengers of this good news.

In a world that often seems more divided than ever, we have the opportunity to be bridge-builders. We can choose to see beyond our differences and focus on the common ground we share in Christ. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also paint a beautiful picture of God's diverse and inclusive kingdom.

Let's pray for God to break our hearts for those who are different from us. Let's ask for the courage to step into unfamiliar territory, just as Peter did. And let's commit to being a church that truly reflects God's heart for all people – a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can find love, acceptance, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

As we go about our daily lives, may we always be mindful of the opportunities God places before us to cross cultural lines and share His love. Who knows? The next person you reach out to might be your modern-day Cornelius, eagerly waiting to hear the good news of Jesus. Will you be ready, like Peter, to answer the call?