Topical Encyclopedia Bigotry, defined as an unreasonable attachment to a particular belief or opinion, often accompanied by a lack of tolerance for other perspectives, is addressed in various ways throughout the Bible. The Scriptures call for love, understanding, and unity among believers, emphasizing the importance of seeing all individuals as created in the image of God.1. Love and Acceptance: The Bible consistently calls for love and acceptance of others, regardless of differences. In the Gospel of John, Jesus commands His followers to love one another: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another" (John 13:34). This commandment underscores the importance of love as a guiding principle in interactions with others. 2. Unity in Diversity: The Apostle Paul speaks to the unity that should exist among believers, despite their diverse backgrounds. In Galatians 3:28, he writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . This verse highlights the breaking down of barriers and the call to unity within the body of Christ. 3. Judgment and Mercy: The Bible warns against judgmental attitudes and encourages mercy. James 2:1-4 cautions against showing favoritism: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" . This passage calls for impartiality and fairness in treatment of others. 4. The Image of God: The foundational belief that all humans are made in the image of God is a critical counter to bigotry. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" . This truth affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status. 5. The Good Samaritan: Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) challenges prejudices and calls for compassion across cultural and ethnic lines. The Samaritan, who was despised by the Jews, is portrayed as the true neighbor for his merciful actions, illustrating that love transcends societal boundaries. 6. Reconciliation and Peace: The ministry of reconciliation is central to the Christian message. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul writes, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation" . This passage emphasizes the call to be agents of reconciliation, promoting peace and understanding. 7. Warnings Against Division: The Bible warns against divisions and factions within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul appeals for unity: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" . This call to unity is a direct challenge to any form of bigotry that might cause division. These scriptures collectively provide a framework for understanding and addressing bigotry from a biblical perspective, emphasizing love, unity, and the inherent value of every individual. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by yourself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. Nave's Topical Index Mark 2:16 Luke 9:49,50 Luke 15:2 Luke 18:9-14 Acts 10:28,45 Acts 18:12,13 Library Search the Scriptures The General Conference of 1840 Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow's Late Proceedings in Spain The Helvetic Consensus Formula. AD 1675. Aims of the Papacy. Liberty of Conscience Threatened The Counsel of Gamaliel. The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Bible and the French Revolution. The Bible and the French Revolution Resources What can we learn from the parable of the persistent widow and unjust judge? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust? | GotQuestions.org Unjust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bigotry in Opposing the Preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles Bigotry in Regard to Circumcision Bigotry in Rejecting the Teachings of Jesus at Nazareth Bigotry in Their Treatment of the Young Man Who Was Born Blind, Whom Jesus Restored to Sight Bigotry of Being a Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber (A Wino) Bigotry of John in Forbidding the Casting out of Demons by One Who did not Follow Jesus Bigotry of Keeping Company With Sinners Bigotry of not Conforming to the Traditions Bigotry of Saul, in Persecuting the Christians Bigotry of the Disciples in Forbidding Children to be Brought to Jesus Bigotry of the Samaritans in Refusing to Receive Jesus Bigotry with Regard to Paul's Preaching Bigotry: Falsely Accusing Jesus of Blasphemy Bigotry: General Scriptures Concerning Bigotry: Jews With Regard to the Samaritans Bigotry: Joshua, Through Envy, Seeking to Suppress Eldad and Medad, Who Were Prophesying Bigotry: Paul's Argument Against Related Terms |
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