Peter spoke a most profound truth—God “made no distinction between us and them” (Acts 15:9). For ages, to become a part of the covenant family of Abraham meant to become Jewish. We see examples of this happening with Old Testament characters like Ruth and Rahab. But with the coming of the Davidic King, now the Gentiles are welcomed into the people of God (Acts 15:14-17). As Paul wrote in Ephesians, “the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6).

Although the controversy of Acts 15 has been settled, there is still a tendency to make ungodly distinctions between people. But your place in God’s family is not based upon your family background, race, or social status. Whether you are proud of your lineage or embarrassed by it makes no difference; by faith, we are all united to Christ. If your parents or family are strong believers, be thankful, but do not think of yourself more highly than others. If your parents or family are not believers, do not think of yourself as second class. God makes no distinctions between us; rather, we are one through faith in Him.

What stereotypes or prejudices might you need to overcome in order to see people who are different than you the way God sees them?