According to Dictionary.com, Bigotry refers to  “stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own” 

Bigotry is also synonymous to dogmatism, sectarianism, discrimination, bias, narrow-mindedness, etc.

Many of us who are closet religious bigots, racists, haters, etc., cannot tolerate those who are not privy to the revelations that we have about certain things. 

It is not Godly to be hostile and condemning of those who are at different levels in their spiritual growth and understanding.

The goal of the Christian life is to develop Christlikeness in worship, character and service.

We are called to Preach the Gospel (Good News) to every creature, and not to run them off with our religious bigotry.

In Romans 10:2, Paul bears record that the Jews had a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Their affection for God was out of sync with who God is: 

The Bible says,

“God is love” (See 1 John 4:7-8)

Unlike the Pharisees who were religious bigots,  you should refuse to be locked into a concept of God that puts Him in a straightjacket.

If you do not love others as God loves you and them, you err not knowing the Scriptures. And you will become hateful towards others.

Love is what shows whose child you are ( See I John 3)

Religious bigotry often deteriorates to prejudice.  

Hence the pharisees could not accept that:

“the Grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11 NASB1995)

Prejudice makes people spew hateful words and make derogatory comments.

Read how the Pharisees scornfully inferred that Jesus Christ was born out of sexual immoralities. They also made derogatory remarks about him being the son of a carpenter (See John 8:39-41, Matthew 13:55, Luke 4:22).

The apostles were also referred to as unlearned men (See Acts 4:13).

We should overcome that narrow-mindedness about God, and embrace the truth that, though God hates sins, He loves the sinners.

We should give out the messages that point sinners to the love of God, and not highlight their sins, unless it is to point them to the forgiveness that is available in Christ.

“God is love…and as He is so are we in this world” His desire is that all should come to repentance.  Hence we preach the Good News.

The Good News tells people what Christ accomplished for them. It points people to a new life in Christ, and lets them know that God forgives their past, and that HE provides the help they need to make the new life work.

And when they accept Jesus Christ, we instruct them in righteousness till they come to maturity.

We need to overcome that mindset of Bigotry and embrace the love of God with a renewed mind. 

Let us Pray:

Father God, thank you for loving me while I was lost in sin.

Thank you for the grace of salvation that appeared to me and to all others as well.

I am grateful that your goodness led me to repentance, for It is all by your grace. 

I acknowledge my Bigotry, intolerance, anger, frustrations and holier-than-thou-attitude, which has alienated people from Christ and the Church.

I receive forgiveness of sins and cleansing from all unrighteousness.

I command to go at once to the feet of Jesus Christ,  and with their relatives, all the evil spirits influencing me to behave like the devil’s advocate,  as well as the spirits of scorn, bitterness, self righteousness, discrimination,  prejudices, hate, and low self esteem. 

I declare that the love  of God poured in me by the Holy Spirit, enables me to function with the right concept of God.

From today, I declare that the Word of God forms the framework for my thoughts, 

gains ascendancy in my life, and produces the results of what it says, in all aspects and facets of my life. 

From henceforth, I walk the pathways of righteousness, and be a blessing to all peoples.

 I affirm that I will refrain from cursing or use swear words, I will only do to others what I wish to be done to me, 

I declare that I will be quick to hear, slow to speak and never respond in anger. 

Thank you Father for working ‘in me’ both to will and to do of your good pleasure, and also for the life I now live by faith in Christ Jesus. 

Use me mightily Father, to propagate the Gospel and draw many to you, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Finally, Luke 6:35 NLT

  “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” 

Shalom From Hephzibah Christly, TheSpiritualWarrior, July 27, 2024