Cultural diversity is a beautiful reflection of God’s creation, and the Bible encourages us to value it. Through stories of diverse communities, scripture teaches us how to live in unity despite our differences. Today, we’ll see how the Bible celebrates diversity and calls us to love one another.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Cultural Difference
What Does The Bible Say About Cultural Diversity
Genesis 11:1-9
“Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, ‘Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’ But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, ‘If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.’ So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”
This verse tells the story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity sought to build a city and tower to make a name for themselves. However, instead of blessing their efforts, God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. This event highlights God’s intention for cultural diversity, as He scattered people and created different languages to prevent the global unity that would have hindered the diversity He desired.
God’s actions at Babel demonstrate that He values and embraces cultural diversity. Each culture and language has value in His eyes, as it is a reflection of His creative design. As Christians, we should celebrate and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that exist in the world, recognizing that diversity is a beautiful part of God’s plan for humanity.
Acts 17:26-27
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”
This verse highlights the fact that God is the creator of all nations and has determined the boundaries of their lands and the times in which they exist. The purpose behind this divine orchestration is that humanity would seek after God, reaching out for Him and finding Him. God’s intention in promoting cultural diversity is ultimately to draw people closer to Himself.
Therefore, as Christians, we should recognize and value the diverse cultures around us, understanding that each culture has the potential to bring people to a deeper understanding and relationship with God. Embracing cultural diversity allows us to experience and learn from different expressions of faith, ultimately leading to a richer and more complete understanding of who God is.
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 equality and unity that exists among believers in Christ, regardless of their cultural background, social status, or gender. In Christ, all believers are made one, breaking down the barriers that may divide them in the eyes of the world.
This verse challenges us to look beyond cultural differences and embrace a shared identity as brothers and sisters in Christ. It encourages us to value each other as equals, treating one another with love, respect, and equality, regardless of our diverse backgrounds. In this way, we can reflect the unity and love of Christ in a world that often emphasizes differences and division.
Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
In this verse, John sees a vision of heaven where a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God and the Lamb. This image symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for cultural diversity and the unity that will be experienced in His presence.
As Christians, this vision serves as a reminder to appreciate, embrace, and celebrate the diverse cultures and languages that exist on earth. It assures us that, in the end, all believers, regardless of their cultural background, will come together as one in worship and adoration of our Lord.
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 emphasizes that in Christ, cultural, racial, and social distinctions lose their significance. In the body of Christ, these differences are surpassed by the commonality of having Christ in each believer’s life.
Therefore, as Christians, we are called to recognize the primary identity we share as followers of Christ, rather than letting cultural divisions and stereotypes hinder our relationships with one another. In Christ, there is no room for prejudice or discrimination based on cultural differences, but instead a call to unity and love that transcends these distinctions.
Ephesians 2:14-16
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”
In these verses, Paul addresses the division between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting that in Christ, the barrier of hostility that existed between them has been dismantled. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus created one new humanity, reconciling both groups to God and bringing peace.
This passage reinforces the notion that cultural diversity is not a hindrance, but rather an opportunity for unity and reconciliation. As Christians, we are called to actively work towards breaking down the walls of hostility and division, embracing and affirming the beauty of different cultures while striving for peace and unity in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This verse reminds us that when we accept Christ into our lives, we become new creations. Our old selves, including any cultural biases or prejudices, are replaced by the transforming power of Christ. In Him, we are called to leave behind our old ways and embrace a new way of thinking and living.
As Christians, this verse challenges us to confront any cultural biases or prejudices we may have, allowing Christ to renew our minds and transform our hearts. It prompts us to see others, regardless of their cultural background, through the lens of love and acceptance, as fellow new creations in Christ.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages us not to conform to the world’s way of thinking, but to allow our minds to be renewed by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. By aligning our thoughts with God’s will, we are able to discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in His sight.
When it comes to cultural diversity, this verse challenges us to resist the world’s patterns of discrimination, prejudice, and bias. Instead, we should embrace a renewed mindset that values and celebrates the beauty of different cultures, knowing that it aligns with God’s good and pleasing will for His diverse creation.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that in everything we do, our ultimate purpose should be to bring glory to God. Our actions, including how we engage with cultural diversity, should reflect our desire to honor Him and His diverse creation.
As Christians, we should seek to engage with different cultures in a way that brings glory to God. This means treating every culture with respect, appreciation, and love, recognizing that it is a reflection of God’s creativity and design. By doing so, we can use cultural diversity as an opportunity to testify to God’s greatness and love.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This verse urges us to declare and proclaim God’s glory among the nations and His marvelous deeds among all peoples. It is a call to share and celebrate the goodness of God with people from every cultural background.
As Christians, we have the privilege and responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus with people of all cultures, recognizing that God’s love and salvation are for everyone. Embracing cultural diversity allows us to witness and proclaim God’s marvelous deeds in different ways, reaching the hearts of people from various backgrounds.
Exodus 12:48-49
“A foreigner residing among you who wants to celebrate the Lord’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat it. The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.”
In this verse, God establishes that foreigners who want to celebrate the Lord’s Passover must follow the same laws and requirements as the native-born Israelites. The commandments apply equally to both groups, highlighting God’s impartiality and commitment to fairness.
This verse teaches us that in God’s eyes, there is no distinction between cultures or nationalities when it comes to His commands. He treats foreigners and native-born individuals equally, emphasizing the value and equal standing of all people before Him. As followers of Christ, we should emulate this impartiality, extending love and acceptance to people from all cultural backgrounds.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
In this verse, Jesus tells His disciples that they are the light of the world. As Christians, we are called to shine brightly, illuminating the world with the love, truth, and grace of Christ.
When it comes to cultural diversity, this verse reminds us that we have a responsibility to be a positive influence, breaking down barriers and stereotypes through our actions and attitudes. By embracing and valuing different cultures, we can serve as a light that attracts others to the love and message of Jesus Christ.
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.'”
In this passage, Peter expresses his revelation that God shows no favoritism and accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. This statement challenges any notion of cultural superiority and emphasizes that God’s acceptance is available to all who seek Him.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s character of impartiality and acceptance. Regardless of cultural differences, we are to extend the love of Christ to all people, recognizing that God’s grace is not limited to any specific culture or nationality.
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.”
These verses highlight the unity and interdependence of the body of Christ. Just as a physical body is made up of different parts, all believers, regardless of their cultural background or social status, are united in Christ.
In understanding cultural diversity, this passage reminds us that we are all members of the same body, the Church. Each culture brings unique contributions and perspectives, all of which are valuable and necessary for the functioning and growth of the body of Christ. As we appreciate and embrace cultural diversity within the Church, we can better reflect the unity and diversity that exists within the triune God Himself.
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
In this verse, Paul exhorts believers to accept one another just as Christ has accepted them. This means embracing and welcoming one another, regardless of cultural differences, for the purpose of bringing praise and honor to God.
As Christians, we are called to extend the same acceptance that we have received from Christ to others. By embracing cultural diversity and accepting one another, we can demonstrate God’s love and foster unity within the Church, ultimately bringing glory to God.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
In this verse, Peter addresses believers as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. God has set apart His followers, irrespective of their cultural background, as His special possession, with the purpose of declaring His praises to the world.
As Christians, our cultural differences do not diminish our identity as God’s chosen people. Rather, our diverse backgrounds enhance our ability to proclaim the greatness of our God. By embracing and celebrating our cultural diversity, we can magnify the beauty of God’s work in creating a new holy nation through Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Often referred to as the Great Commission, these verses contain Jesus’ command to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe His commands. This commission underscores the global and inclusive nature of the Gospel message.
As Christians, we are entrusted with the mission of spreading the Gospel to people from every nation and culture. It is an invitation to engage with cultural diversity, recognizing that God’s love and salvation are for all people. By embracing this call, we participate in the work of building a diverse and unified body of believers.
Ephesians 4:4-6
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
These verses emphasize the unity that exists among believers. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. This unity transcends cultural differences and unites Christians in their shared relationship with God.
When it comes to cultural diversity, these verses remind us that our primary identity is found in our common faith in Jesus Christ. Regardless of our diverse backgrounds, we are part of the same family, serving the same God. Embracing this unity allows us to celebrate our cultural differences as a means of glorifying God and experiencing the fullness of the body of Christ.
Proverbs 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”
In this proverb, it is affirmed that both the rich and the poor share a common creator: the Lord. This truth applies not only to socio-economic differences but also extends to cultural diversity.
As Christians, we should recognize that all people, regardless of their cultural background or social status, are made in the image of God. Our shared identity as creations of God should foster appreciation and respect for cultural diversity, recognizing that every culture has inherent value and purpose in God’s plan.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This psalm celebrates the beauty and desirability of unity among God’s people. When believers from different cultures come together in harmony and love, it is a reflection of God’s goodness and brings delight to His heart.
As Christians, we should actively seek to live in unity, valuing and embracing cultural diversity. By doing so, we testify to the world of God’s love and grace, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to unite people across all cultural, racial, and social divides.