August 17, 2019
What does it say?
Paul opposed Peter, who had separated himself from Gentile Christians out of fear.
What does it mean?
Many rules in the Law of Moses addressed ritualistic cleanliness, including instructions for Jews to be separated from Gentiles because they followed pagan beliefs. But even though Jesus had come to show grace to both Jews and Gentiles, a few Jewish Christians still had a mental block against associating too closely with the Gentile Christians. Peter and some of the Jewish believers in Antioch were afraid of what believers from Jerusalem would think if they saw them eating with Gentile brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul confronted Peter about the hypocrisy of his actions.
How should I respond?
Is there someone in your church you hesitate to be seen with – someone with an immoral past, someone who dresses differently, or someone who worships differently? Our Sunday mornings often become rituals, in which we talk to the same people, sit with the same people, and leave with the same people. Why not break a social barrier or two? Introduce yourself to others who are outside of your comfort zone. Ask them how they are doing; then listen – really listen – and really care. God loves all believers just as much as He loves you. Will you love them that way too?