Different in Ethnicities but One Family of God
This is part 2
If you missed part 1, you can check it out here.
Christians of all ethnic backgrounds should not be afraid to embrace our Hispanic brothers and sisters because of language or perceived cultural barriers. Getting to know your neighbor even if she is different in some way from you, as a practical matter, should be what we always do, but especially during this month. Venture out and support Hispanic businesses and participate in cultural activities offered at museums and community endeavors. Sometimes, we as Christians have a habit of associating exclusively with people who eat what we eat, dress like we dress, sing what we sing and shop where we shop. Hispanic Heritage Month, like many ethnic commemorations, provides an opportunity for all of us in the family of God, to learn more about the culture, joys, triumphs, and struggles of other members of our family, that may not look, dress, or communicate as we do.
God is not color or ethnic blind, and He does not expect His children to be. God demonstrates no partiality or favoritism amongst His children. Consider this, in Revelation 7:9, John the disciple of Jesus the Christ, experienced a vision. John saw a great multitude from “every nation, tribe, people and language” worshiping God in heaven. This clearly includes our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Wouldn’t it be shameful, if you did not get to know your Hispanic family because some of their cultural practices may be different from yours?
Greek scholars know that the original Greek word translated as “nation” is ethnos. This is where we get the word “ethnicity.” Always remember that we in the family of God, can note our cultural differences but are careful to not let those differences define who we are as believers nor should those ethnic differences create barriers or limitations to understanding each other in the body of Christ. If you have any doubt that you can break out of your shell and experience and celebrate Hispanic heritage, remember what then Senator Barack Obama said when he was running for President of the United States, “Sí, se puede” which is Spanish for, “Yes we can.”
