Reflections on Acts 17:26, 1 Corinthians 13:12, and the Struggles We Share
Sometimes, life feels like trying to solve a puzzle with a few missing pieces. We see problems everywhere—arguments between people, unfairness, loneliness—and it can seem impossible to make sense of it all. But what if a big part of the confusion comes from missing the point of why we’re even here in the first place?
Let’s start with a simple idea: according to Acts 17:26, we’re all from the same beginning. “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” In plain language, this means God created everyone—no matter where we’re from or what we look like—with intention. Each group of people has their place and time, and each person has a part to play in the bigger story of this world.
But over time, we’ve lost sight of this. Instead of seeing our differences as part of a beautiful plan, we’ve let them turn into reasons to fight, to judge, to keep others at a distance. We put up walls—sometimes real ones, sometimes just in our hearts. We forget that, deep down, we’re all part of the same family.
1 Corinthians 13:12 gives us another way to think about it: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face…” The idea here is that right now, our understanding is cloudy, like looking in an old, foggy mirror. We only see a part of the picture. We try to figure out what’s going on, but it’s like reading a riddle with half the clues missing. We can’t always see the full purpose God has for us or for the people around us.
That’s why life sometimes feels so messy or unfair. When we don’t understand that God designed us to be connected, to appreciate one another, and to live with purpose, we end up hurting not just others, but ourselves. We focus on what separates us and miss out on the joy of belonging, the peace of working together, and the hope that comes from knowing we matter.
What’s the answer? It starts with remembering that every single person has value. Our differences—where we’re from, what we look like, how we speak—aren’t accidents. They’re part of God’s design. When we open our eyes to this, things start to change. Instead of suspicion, there’s trust. Instead of hurt, there’s healing. Instead of division, there’s unity.
We might not have all the answers now. We might still feel like we’re seeing everything “through a glass, darkly.” But if we keep holding on to the truth that we’re meant for connection, love, and respect, we’ll move closer to that clear and direct understanding promised in the Bible. One day, what’s confusing now will make sense, and we’ll see the full picture face-to-face.
So, as you go through your day, take a moment to remember Acts 17:26. Everyone you meet is part of the same story. We’re all trying to find our way, and we’re meant to do it together. If we keep this in mind, we’ll be helping to build the world God intended—a place of belonging, hope, and peace for all.
afrancinegreen.com 