An important ministry for Paul was taking the gospel message to the Gentiles. For those who believed that Jesus had only come to bring good news to Jewish people, the notion of the salvation of Christ being available to those outside the faith was met with resistance or outright hostility. Paul, in fact, insists that Gentiles have become ‘fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.’ There may have been some who, even if they accepted Gentiles as part of the body of Christ, might still have viewed them as inferior in some way.
Be honest with yourself and with God. Are there people or groups of people you view as inferior or not quite as worthy? Do the thoughts you have or the words you speak or the messages you share on social media reflect that “better-than” attitude? Slowly reread this passage, substituting the name of the person or group you have identified for the word “Gentiles”. (“I, Paul, am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you ___________…) How might this practice affect your perception of their worthiness as fellow heirs?
Today, pray for an open heart towards those you have a tendency to view as less-than.