Understanding How Christianity Unites People Across the World
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb. 11:6)
If you look at a map, you’ll see lots of lines dividing countries and nations. These borders tell us where one country ends and another begins, often shaping our language, customs, and even how we see the world. But when it comes to Christianity, the message is very different: being a follower of Jesus Christ isn’t about where you’re from, what language you speak, or the traditions you keep. At its heart, Christianity is about believing in Jesus—a faith that stretches across every border and brings people together, no matter their background.
The Heart of Christianity: Belief in Jesus
Let’s start with the basics: What makes someone a Christian? It’s not having a certain passport or being born in a specific country. It doesn’t depend on your last name, ancestry, or even on keeping certain cultural traditions. Instead, Christianity is all about having faith in Jesus Christ—believing in who He is, what He did, and what that means for us.
Christians believe that Jesus is God’s Son who came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Trusting in Him, asking Him to forgive your sins, and choosing to follow Him—that’s what makes you a Christian. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Canada or Kenya, Brazil or Bangladesh. Your faith is what counts, not your nationality.
A Universal Message From the Start
From the very beginning, Jesus made it clear that His message was for everyone. One of the last things He told His followers was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). That means Christianity was never meant for just one group of people or one country. Instead, it’s a worldwide invitation for everyone to come to know God through Jesus.
Just look at the early Christian church as told in the Bible. It was a mix of all sorts of people: Jews and non-Jews (called Gentiles), men and women, people with money and those who were poor, people who were free and others who were slaves. This was unusual back then, when religion and culture were usually tied together tightly, often limited to certain families or ethnic groups. Christianity broke that mold by welcoming all who believed, no matter where they came from.
Paul’s Words: Everyone Is Welcome
Paul, one of the most influential leaders in the early church, emphasized this radical inclusivity in his writings. He taught that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This means that the barriers people so often build—whether based on nationality, social status, or background—fade away in the light of faith. Instead of seeing ourselves as divided by borders or labels, Christianity invites us to see each other as brothers and sisters in a global family, united by a shared belief and a hope that transcends every cultural difference. That’s why, even today, you’ll find Christians in every corner of the world—each with their own language and customs, yet all part of one story that began with the simple call to believe and to love without boundaries.
The Role of the Church
The church, as the body of Christ, plays a pivotal role in embodying this vision of unity. Local congregations may reflect the cultures of their communities, but they are also called to welcome and embrace believers from all backgrounds. Acts of hospitality, cross-cultural mission work, and interfaith dialogue are just a few ways the church can demonstrate that Christianity is not confined by national borders.
Moreover, the church must resist the temptation to tie its message too closely to any political or nationalist agenda. Instead, it should focus on proclaiming the gospel in its purest form—a message of love, grace, and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: A Faith Without Borders
Being a Christian is fundamentally a matter of faith in Jesus Christ. It transcends national identity, cultural heritage, and political boundaries. This faith calls us to love God and love our neighbors, regardless of where they come from or who they are. It challenges us to see beyond earthly divisions and to embrace the unity that comes from being part of the body of Christ.
In a world often divided by nationalism and exclusion, Christianity offers a countercultural vision of inclusion and universality. It reminds us that our ultimate citizenship is not of this world but in heaven (Philippians 3:20). As we live out our faith, may we always remember that being a Christian is not about where we come from but about Who we follow. And in following Christ, we find a community that spans the globe—a family of believers united by a shared faith, hope, and love.
Faith is about Christ alone!
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 