Education Programs

April 2023 – Make Connections through Global Diversity 

April 1, 2023August 11, 2022By
April 2023 – Make Connections through Global Diversity 

Embracing Diversity 

Scripture: Romans 12:16  

Program Ideas 

The following resources provide activities for diversity education. 

Refreshment Ideas 

If you have women in the group who come from another culture, ask them to bring a snack typically enjoyed in their country. Purchase snacks from other countries from a store such as World Market for the women to try.  

Imago Dei:  One Love, One Heart 

We live in a world that is broken and hurting. We are divided by religion, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, and the color of one’s skin. It is a world that often chooses to ignore Imago Dei, which is Latin for “image of God.” Every person is created in God’s image—His likeness. The value of every individual is not assigned through success, popularity, or assets. The value of everyone comes from the Creator of heaven and earth.  

We read in Romans 12:16, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” We can view this as an anchor verse for how we live our lives today. If we look at the preceding verses, we will see the connection to verse 16. Verses 14, 15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” As followers of Jesus Christ, we should: love sincerely by hating what is evil and clinging to what is good; be devoted in love by honoring others; share with people who are in need; empathize with others in their and losses and celebrate their victories. In doing what has been listed in verses 9 – 15, we acknowledge the directive given to us in Romans 12:16: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited,” and Imago Dei.  

Christ followers recognize the value of every human being. We accept the Christian conviction that every person is created in the image of God. Every person, without exception, is marked with God’s beauty. Consequently, every person is to be treasured and treated justly.  

John 3:16-17, states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” This scripture that we all love to say from memory has a key noun and pronoun, “world” and “whoever.” Merriam-Webster defines the world as, “the earth and all the people and things on it, the people in the world.” 

McNeil (2020), in her book Roadmap to Reconciliation, references Revelation 21:24: “When we travel down the road toward reconciliation, this is what awaits us: the colorful tapestry of humanity in all of its rich, God–breathed beauty. This innumerable crowd of cross-cultural witnesses foretold in Revelation will bring the glory and honor of their nations into the city of God.” McNeil further encourages our collective calling to make the kingdom of God visible on earth. Every time we bridge racial, ethnic, gender and socioeconomic divides, we become prophetic witnesses to the reality of the kingdom of God.  

Regardless of our gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. We are covered by the same blood, we can all have the hope that Jesus provides. We proclaim that the Holy Spirit is within us, and we read from the same Holy Word. May we receive God’s Word that is meant to give dignity, equality, and one love to everyone because of Imago Dei. 

Challenge: 

  • Evaluate who you are in Christ. 
  • Understand your culture and how it defines you. 
  • Assess your cultural biases and assumptions. 
  • Consider your actions and reactions to other cultures and races. 
  • Above all, filter everything through the lens of the cross and what Christ did for us. (Wong, Multicultural Women’s Ministry.)  

“Treat everyone like Jesus died for them because He did.” ~ Dr. Derwin L. Gray 

Prayer 

Lord, may we be transformed by Your love for us and in turn become a reflection of Your love to those who don’t look like us or share the same background as we do. Forgive us for passing judgment on people based on their appearance, ethnicity, economic status, or religious affiliation. May we walk in love and unity with one another (Morrison, 2019). Amen 

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