by Steve Chibophe, HOPE Malawi spiritual integration coordinator
Sometimes those of us who have embraced Christ as Lord and Savior behave as if Christ is ours alone. We can allow the world’s dividing lines around tribe, race, politics, and religion to creep in and cause us to behave as if we are the insiders whom Jesus is for, and others are outsiders who can’t be reached by the love of Jesus.
However, we were all once the outsider, the lost sheep, before Jesus sought us out and brought us into the folds of His grace. The world we live in is full of majority and minority groups that practice religions that are different to the Christian faith, but we know clearly from God’s Word that the heart of God is for all people to experience salvation through Jesus.
In Matthew 28:19a, Jesus instructs his disciples to “make disciples of all nations,” and in Genesis 12:3b, God tells Abram, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” These passages and many others speak volumes about God’s desire for Jesus to be known by all of humankind.
The nations include all people groups: refugees, traditionalists, the rich, and people living in poverty. The message of the Gospel is for all of us. To behave otherwise is contrary to the Gospel and the mission of HOPE International to proclaim and live this Good News.
Let us reflect on Romans 10:14-15:
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
May the above stated Word of God serve us well as we see the importance of Jesus being for all people.
Steve Chibophe has served as spiritual integration coordinator for HOPE Malawi since 2016. In his years of serving as an evangelist, Bible teacher, disciple maker, elder, parish executive member, youth coordinator, and advocate for social justice, he has developed a deep love for the Church and discipleship—culminating in capacity building for Church and community leaders.
Learn more about how the Holy Spirit invites all of us to step out of isolation into Christ-centered community in this four-minute video.
Featured image: Community bank members with Diaconía, HOPE’s partner in Paraguay
