Dear brothers and sisters, the topic of excluding others touches the heart of our faith deeply. As believers, we are called to love one another and to show kindness to everyone, just as Jesus did. The Bible teaches us that exclusion, whether intentional or unintentional, is not in line with the teachings of Christ. When we exclude others, we are not reflecting the love and acceptance that God has shown us.
One example from the Bible is the story of the Good Samaritan. Here, a man is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Several people pass by and do not help him, but a Samaritan, who was considered an outsider and often excluded by the Jews, stops and helps the man. This story illustrates that love and compassion should not be limited by societal boundaries or prejudices. Everyone is our neighbor, and we should act with mercy and kindness toward all.
Jesus Himself often spent time with those who were excluded by society. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, healed the sick, and spoke with women and Samaritans. His actions showed that God’s love is inclusive and extends to everyone, regardless of their status or background. By following Jesus’ example, we can learn to break down barriers and embrace all people with open hearts.
Furthermore, the early church faced challenges in including Gentiles alongside Jewish believers. Some argued that Gentiles should follow Jewish customs to be part of the community. However, the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, decided that faith in Jesus was what truly mattered, not adherence to cultural practices. This decision emphasized that the church should be a place of acceptance and unity, not division.
Dear friend, when we exclude others, we miss the opportunity to grow and learn from the diversity God has created. We are called to be a light in this world, reflecting God’s love to everyone we encounter. Let us strive to welcome and include all, showing the world that in God’s family, no one is left out.
Dear friends, now let’s see the Bible scriptures below that talk about excluding others.
“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, are convinced of the law as transgressors”
— James 2:9
“But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me”
— Galatians 2:6
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus”
— Galatians 3:28
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”
— Galatians 5:14
“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another”
— Galatians 5:26
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, so fulfil the law of Christ”
— Galatians 6:2
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”
— Romans 12:10
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits”
— Romans 12:16
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law”
— Romans 13:8
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations”
— Romans 14:1
“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God”
— Romans 15:7
“For there is no respect of persons with God”
— Romans 2:11
“Then Peter opened his mouth, said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons”
— Acts 10:34
“Hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, hath determined the times before appointed, the bounds of their habitation”
— Acts 17:26
“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, in allPut on therefore, as the elect of God, holy beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsufferingForbearing one another, forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do yeAnd above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness”
— Colossians 3:11-14
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”
— John 13:34
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you”
— John 15:12
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”
— John 3:16
“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven”
— Matthew 18:10
“The King shall answer say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”
— Matthew 25:40
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, hate thine enemyBut I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them which despitefully use you, persecute youThat ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil on the good, sendeth rain on the just on the unjustFor if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”
— Matthew 5:43-48
“Judge not, that ye be not judged”
— Matthew 7:1
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law the prophets”
— Matthew 7:12
“Judge not, ye shall not be judged: condemn not, ye shall not be condemned: forgive, ye shall be forgiven”
— Luke 6:37
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”
— Philippians 2:3
“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us”
— Ephesians 2:14
“With all lowliness meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in loveEndeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”
— Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”
— Ephesians 4:32
“Let brotherly love continueBe not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”
— Hebrews 13:1-2
“The rich poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all”
— Proverbs 22:2
“These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment”
— Proverbs 24:23
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow”
— Isaiah 1:17
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with thy God?”
— Micah 6:8
“Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, shew mercy compassions every man to his brotherAnd oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart”
— Zechariah 7:9-10
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men”
— Titus 3:2
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us the importance of inclusion and love for all individuals. Verses such as Galatians 3:28, which states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” highlight the unity and equality we should strive for. By excluding others, we contradict the fundamental principles of Christianity, which call for love, acceptance, and community. We learn from Jesus’ example to embrace and uplift those who are marginalized or different from us. Applying these teachings in our lives means actively rejecting prejudice and division, and seeking to understand and love our neighbors as ourselves. This not only strengthens our faith but also builds a more compassionate and inclusive world, reflecting God’s love for all His children.