In the Fullness of God’s Love: A Reflection (Part 1/3)

Scriptural Texts:

• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Introduction:

In our journey of faith, there are moments when we need to pause and reflect on the nature of God’s love—a love that knows no bounds, a love that is unconditional, and a love that calls us to embody its essence in our lives. Today, let’s delve into three aspects of this divine love:

1. Reflecting on the Boundless Love of God (Galatians 3:28)
2. Understanding the Depth and Consistency of God’s Love (Romans 8:38-39)
3. Embodying the Essence of God’s Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

These scriptures guide us in understanding that in the fullness of God’s love, we find unity, security, and a call to live out love in its truest sense. May our hearts be open to receive and share this divine love today and always.

Part 1: The Universality of God’s Love

Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse is a powerful statement of inclusivity, embracing every one of us in divine love without stigma or prejudice.

Let’s consider the three barriers that Galatians 3:28 addresses:

1. Ethnic and Racial Barriers:

“Neither Jew nor Greek” speaks to the divisions that have long existed between different ethnic and racial groups. In our context, we know all too well how ethnicity and tribalism have fueled conflicts and discrimination. We’ve seen how tribal lines can divide us, making it difficult to live, work, or even worship together. For example, the tension between the Luos and Kikuyus in Kenya has created a legacy of animosity. But Galatians 3:28 challenges us to rise above these divisions.

Our differences in cultural practices and religious beliefs often lead to judgment and exclusion. Whether it’s Christianity versus Islam, or Pentecostals versus non-Pentecostals, the verse reminds us that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek—no one is superior or inferior. Nationalism and political ideologies in Kenya’s history have taken us to dark places, even to the point of violence. But in God’s eyes, these differences should not separate us.

2. Socioeconomic Barriers:

“Neither slave nor free” addresses the economic and social divisions that often define our interactions. Class differences, economic disparities, and the power dynamics between the wealthy and the poor have long created significant societal rifts. But we are called to dismantle these barriers, advocating for equality and dignity for all.

The assumption that one’s value is tied to their level of education is another barrier. But Galatians 3:28 tells us that everyone is equal, regardless of their educational background or socioeconomic status.

3. Gender Barriers:

“No male and female” challenges the traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures that assign different values, rights, and responsibilities based on gender. This verse is revolutionary in its call to stand against exclusion of any kind. In Christ, we are united beyond our cultural, social, and gender identities and norms.

This is not about erasing our differences but celebrating them as expressions of God’s creativity and love. Each person’s unique identity, including LGBTQ+ individuals, contributes to the rich diversity of God’s creation. Galatians 3:28 reminds us that God’s love transcends human-made boundaries and categories.