Many of us say we believe the gospel, but sometimes we can be blinded from its truth by the things we have been taught, the groups we belong to, the political side we defend, or the pain we carry from injustice. The gospel is not just a message about going to heaven one day. It is the good news that Jesus came to save us, change us, reconcile us to God, and teach us how to love our neighbor here and now.
When it comes to race, the gospel reminds us that every person is made in the image of God. No race is higher than another. No skin color makes a person more loved by God or less worthy of dignity. In Christ, the walls that divide people are torn down. The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28), and Peter learned that “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34–35). If our beliefs cause us to look down on another group of people, then we are not seeing clearly through the eyes of Jesus.
When it comes to religion, we can also become blinded by pride. We may know church language, quote Bible verses, or attend worship services, but still miss the heart of God. Jesus often challenged religious people who followed rules but ignored mercy, humility, and love. The gospel calls us to repentance, not self-righteousness. Micah 6:8 says the Lord requires us “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly” with Him. James 1:27 reminds us that pure religion cares for the vulnerable and stays unstained by the world.
When it comes to politics, the gospel must be higher than any party, leader, or opinion. Politics can help shape laws, but politics cannot save the soul. Only Jesus can do that. If our political loyalty makes us excuse hatred, dishonesty, cruelty, or injustice, then we have allowed politics to become louder than the gospel. Our first citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and our first allegiance is to Christ. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39).
When it comes to justice, the gospel does not allow us to close our eyes to suffering. God cares about the poor, the oppressed, the mistreated, and the forgotten. Justice is not a trend; it is part of God’s character. Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Amos 5:24 says, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Proverbs 31:8–9 tells us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The truth is, we are all capable of being blinded. We can be blinded by comfort, fear, tradition, pride, anger, or loyalty to people more than loyalty to God. That is why we must keep coming back to Jesus and asking Him to search our hearts. Psalm 139:23–24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart… lead me in the way everlasting.”
The gospel opens our eyes. It teaches us to see every person as someone God created, someone Jesus died for, and someone we are called to love. If our view of race, religion, politics, or justice does not look like Jesus, then we need to let the gospel correct us. The good news of Christ is not meant to support our prejudice; it is meant to free us from it.
May we not be people who use faith to hide from truth, but people who let the truth of the gospel lead us into love, humility, courage, and justice. As Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Minister A Francine Green, August 2026