Ewald Schmidt

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” Ephesians 1:13a (NIV)

Throughout history we see that people from different backgrounds tend to misunderstand one another. In the church of the first century it was no different. A major issue that Paul needed to address in most of his letters was about the identity of new believers in Christ. Jewish believers enquired whether someone who was not part of Israel could be part of God’s plan of salvation for the world. Does the God of Israel really have any interest in people not of Abraham’s descent?

Paul emphasised our new identity in Christ. He addressed both Jews and non-Jews who had put their faith in our Lord Jesus. Something new had happened in their lives. Someone had loved them so much that they shared the gospel of truth with them. That is the Good News that God so loved the world, that he sent his only son so that we may not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16) People not only have to hear the gospel, but believe it, and put their trust in Christ. This gives us a new identity. We are now part of the family of God, included in Christ through faith.

In South Africa we also understand the search for true identity. We belong to different ethnic groups and we speak different languages. The concept of what it means to be South African varies across different groups. But then, when we have put our faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ, we assume a new identity. My new identity is that I belong to God and have become a new person through faith in Christ. This does not exclude my language or culture, but transcends it. Through my new identity as a member of the family of God, I become part of God’s plan to share his love to all people around me. I was included through faith to belong, to love, to uplift. True faith leads to deeds of love, and this make the world around me a better place.

Prayer: Lord, I am surrounded by people who are so different to me. Sometimes we struggle to understand each other, and to respect one another. But thank you for your love that is so much larger than any walls we erect between people. Thank you that we belong to the family of God through faith, and that we also belong to one another through your transcending love! Amen