A few days ago, my morning devotional had me looking at Moab women. The Bible warns against marrying outside of your lineage and encourages us to marry one that we are equally yoked with. My concern here is not the wording in scripture but the interpretation of people. Racist will take these words and use them to illustrate God's desire for their specific race not to marry another race. We have to see that there are good among every people. Among the Moab women there was a woman named Ruth. She was of such good character that she appears in the lineage of Jesus.
When we stop characterizing each other based on our heritage we can see the good inside the individual. I would be racist if I thought all Islamic people wanted to kill me. That’s definitely not accurate. I’ve had enlightening conversations on the differences of the Christian and Islamic religions. Let me say this, there are radical Muslims like there are radical Christians. There are fair minded Muslims and fair minded Christians. Our job according to the Word is to love one another. Even if they are radical in their views, we are to love them. Is that not what Jesus commanded in Matthew 22?
If we honestly take the time to converse with our neighbors, not listening to other people or news outlets, we’ll see the differences aren’t what separates us, hatred, jealousy, envy, strife are. According to the book of Galatians, these are the works of the flesh. Our job is to show the fruit of the Spirit!!
No matter what you’ve heard, don’t judge an entire area based on your flesh. Listen to the Spirit of the Living God as your guide in your treatment of others. Think on the lineage of Jesus. Whom would Boaz have married had it not been for the Moabite Ruth? She was a necessary part of His lineage. Meaning others are a necessary part of yours.
A couple of years ago, I had a conversation with a few girlfriends and the topics of children came up as is typical among mothers. One of my friends asked if I would have an issue with my son marrying a non-black woman. My answer was simple and immediate. I want him to marry someone that can love and accept him as he is - faults and all. I don’t care what skin color my future daughter-in-law will be. I care about her heart. Will she love my son? Will she protect his heart, mind, and soul? Will she walk beside him in this journey called life not quickly giving up or in? What sustains her? What fills her with joy? Ultimately, what is her relationship with Jesus? I care that she installs a love for God into my grandchildren that is unshakable. I care that she embodies the fruit of the Spirit not that her skin matches mine or that we use the same hair care products. Such things are not eternal. I want to love her and she love me as illustrated by the love between Ruth, the Moabite and Naomi, the Israelite (sans the death of my son). Such love should be everlasting and unwavering.
When we look on our tomorrow, let’s take off the blinders of yesterday while standing in the knowledge of today. Not forgetting the struggle of our people but understanding that a foundation of hatred is the beginning of destruction.
Be A Blessing and Not Just Blessed
- Nakya
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