We are family
This week, the Prime Minister gave a keynote speech launching the immigration White Paper in which he made a statement that caught my eye: the UK risks becoming an ‘island of strangers’. This got me thinking about the Christian community. With all that is going on in the world around us, we are certainly an island in a rough sea of turmoil, but are we an island of strangers?
When individuals become Christians, they are no longer strangers to one another but become brothers and sisters in the faith. The Apostle Paul wrote, ‘You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home.’ (Ephesians 2:19 The Message). This is a transformation from isolation to inclusion, from alienation to belonging. It is a powerful reminder that the Christian faith transcends social, cultural, and racial barriers, uniting believers as one family under God.
The Christian community is called to be a place where no one is a stranger. By embracing each other as members of one body in a nurturing and inclusive environment, we reflect the love of Christ. May we all strive to live out this divine mandate, fostering a community where love, support, and unity abound, and where every individual, regardless of their background, feels truly at home.
In Christian love,
Barry Robinson
About the Writer:
Barry Robinson is the Deputy National Ministry Leader for GCI in the UK & Ireland