In a world where inclusion is highly valued, what does the Bible say about it? Scripture speaks of God’s love for all people and the importance of unity in the body of Christ. Let’s explore how the Bible encourages us to be inclusive while holding firm to our faith.
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What Does The Bible Say About Inclusion
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse emphasizes the inclusivity that Jesus brings. In Christ, there are no social, ethnic, or gender distinctions that divide us. We are all equal and united as children of God.
True inclusion means embracing and accepting people from all walks of life, regardless of their backgrounds, social status, or differences. It’s about recognizing that we are all valuable and loved by God, and treating others with respect, dignity, and equality.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This verse assures us that Jesus extends an invitation to everyone, regardless of their weariness or burdens. Inclusion means that no matter how broken or exhausted we may feel, we can find solace and comfort in Jesus.
Jesus welcomes all, offering rest and healing to those who seek him. In an inclusive community, we are called to create spaces of refuge and support for others, standing alongside them in their struggles and offering them the rest that Christ provides.
Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘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 passage highlights the universality of God’s acceptance and love. Inclusion is not based on outward appearances or cultural backgrounds; it is open to all who fear God and strive to do what is right.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace and celebrate diversity, recognizing that God’s love extends to people of every nation, ethnicity, and culture. In doing so, we reflect the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom on earth.
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
This verse reminds us to accept others just as Christ accepts us. In an inclusive community, we are called to embrace people without judgment or prejudice, extending the same grace and love that Christ has shown us.
Inclusion requires us to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued, irrespective of their differences or shortcomings. When we do so, we bring glory and honor to God by reflecting his heart for all people.
Luke 15:7
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
This verse highlights God’s incredible love for all people, regardless of their past mistakes or shortcomings. Inclusion means valuing every individual, recognizing that each person has the potential for transformation through repentance and faith.
As followers of Christ, we should not exclude or ostracize others based on their shortcomings. Instead, we should celebrate when someone turns to God, rejoicing over their redemption and embracing them as part of the family of believers.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
This passage illustrates the concept of inclusion through the analogy of the human body. Just like a body consists of different parts that work together harmoniously, the body of Christ is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds, yet united in purpose.
In an inclusive community, we recognize the significance of each person’s unique gifts and contributions. We value unity while celebrating the diversity of backgrounds, talents, and experiences that each individual brings.
James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
This verse warns against the sin of favoritism within the body of believers. Inclusion means treating all individuals with fairness, respect, and impartiality, regardless of their social status, appearance, or any other external factor.
We are called to love and accept others unconditionally, just as Christ loves and accepts us. Excluding or showing favoritism towards certain individuals goes against the values of an inclusive community and hinders the expression of God’s love.
Romans 10:12-13
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
This verse confirms that God’s offer of salvation is extended to all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. Inclusion means acknowledging that every individual has the opportunity to experience God’s blessings and forgiveness through faith.
As followers of Christ, we should never withhold the gospel or exclude others based on their ethnicity, nationality, or any other distinction. We are called to share the message of salvation with everyone and invite them into the inclusive and loving arms of our Savior.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor takes a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”
This passage emphasizes God’s heart for the marginalized and vulnerable, including foreigners and those in need. Inclusion means following God’s example by extending love, compassion, and justice to those who are often overlooked or rejected by society.
As believers, we are called to care for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger, reflecting God’s love for all people. True inclusion involves advocating for justice, meeting practical needs, and showing hospitality to those who are different from us.
Proverbs 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”
This verse reminds us that we are all equally created by God, regardless of our socioeconomic status. Inclusion means recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of their financial situation or material possessions.
We must resist the temptation to judge or treat others based on their wealth or lack thereof. Instead, we should seek to build inclusive communities where everyone is treated with respect, regardless of their financial background.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of inclusion by emphasizing the importance of love within the body of Christ. Inclusive communities are marked by genuine love and unity, where individuals genuinely care for and support one another.
By loving one another as Christ loves us, we demonstrate our allegiance to Him and bear witness to the world. Inclusion is not merely about accepting others but actively showing love and practicing selfless acts towards one another.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
This verse urges believers to show respect to everyone, regardless of their beliefs, affiliations, or social standing. Inclusion means treating each person with dignity and honor, recognizing the intrinsic value they possess as image-bearers of God.
We are called to love and honor all members of the body of Christ, as well as those outside the faith. By doing so, we reflect God’s heart for all people and cultivate an inclusive community that fosters unity and harmony.
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
This verse emphasizes the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. In an inclusive community, we are called to show love, kindness, and compassion towards all people, treating them with the same care and concern that we have for ourselves.
Inclusion means going beyond our comfort zones and actively seeking to build meaningful relationships with individuals who may be different from us. By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Leviticus 19:33-34
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
This passage instructs the Israelites to treat foreigners in their land with fairness, love, and respect. Inclusion means extending hospitality and care to those who are not native to our community or country, recognizing that we were once outsiders ourselves.
As believers, we are called to welcome and embrace those from different cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds. By doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ and create a space of belonging for all people.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of selflessness and honor within the body of Christ. In an inclusive community, we prioritize the needs and well-being of others above our own, showing love and honor to all.
We should strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and appreciated. In doing so, we foster an atmosphere of unity and mutual care, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ to the world.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse highlights the beauty and desirability of unity among God’s people. Inclusion means striving for harmony and mutual respect within the body of believers, setting aside our differences and seeking to build bridges rather than build walls.
When we are inclusively united, we display a compelling witness to the world and demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love. In an inclusive community, we celebrate our shared faith and work together to advance God’s kingdom.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse outlines three key characteristics of living in an inclusive manner: acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Inclusion demands that we actively pursue justice, treating all individuals with equity, fairness, and dignity.
Furthermore, inclusion means showing mercy, compassion, and grace towards others, recognizing that we all fall short and are in need of forgiveness. Lastly, walking humbly with God implies that we approach others with humility, seeking to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
Colossians 3:11
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
This verse reiterates the idea that there are no divisions or barriers in Christ. In an inclusive community, we value the unity we have in Christ, transcending cultural, ethnic, and social distinctions.
We should celebrate the diversity within the body of believers, recognizing that our differences enrich our understanding of God and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive community where Christ is exalted.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
This verse reaffirms the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. In an inclusive community, we are called to show love and care not only to those within our immediate circle but to all individuals we encounter.
Inclusion means extending kindness and compassion to those who may be marginalized, overlooked, or in need. It requires us to go beyond our comfort zones and actively seek to build relationships with people from all walks of life.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of encouraging and building one another up within the body of Christ. In an inclusive community, we actively seek to uplift and support all individuals, recognizing the value and potential within each person.
We should be intentional in our words and actions, striving to bring out the best in others and creating an atmosphere of affirmation and encouragement. When we build one another up, we foster a sense of belonging and strengthen the bonds of unity.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This passage highlights the virtues necessary for maintaining unity and inclusivity within the body of Christ. Inclusion requires humility, gentleness, patience, and a willingness to bear with one another in love.
We should be proactive in preserving unity, endeavoring to bridge divides and resolve conflicts in a spirit of peace. By cultivating these qualities, we create an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness in Christ.
Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This passage underscores our responsibility to advocate for and protect the vulnerable and marginalized. Inclusion means speaking up for those who have been silenced and oppressed, defending their rights and dignities.
We are called to extend a helping hand to those in need, supporting them in their struggles and working towards justice and equality. In an inclusive community, we actively pursue social justice and stand against any form of discrimination or injustice.
Isaiah 56:7
“these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
This verse reveals God’s desire for his house of prayer to be open to people from all nations. Inclusion means welcoming and embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages into the family of God.
As followers of Christ, we should actively seek to create a space where everyone feels invited and accepted, valuing the contributions that each person brings. In doing so, we reflect the heart of God and the richness of his kingdom on earth.