Scripture

Summary

Lessons

Genesis
 1:24-31

God created all living things according to His will and saw that it was good.  God even created all men in His image and considered them good in His eyes.

Criticizing or downgrading others or ourselves is akin to criticizing what God has made and the abilities he has given us.  We all are of equal value to God, not one race over the other.

Genesis
11

All humanity had one language and were centrally located around the city of Babel.  They organized and agreed to build the tower so they could attempt to reach the heavens. 

Some Christians commonly mistake this verse in justifying divine separation, though upon close examination one can see that God desired for man to spread to all corners of the earth.  Man was clearly disobeying this commandment and thus sinning against God.  Their sin not their unity caused their separation and destruction of the tower.

Numbers
12

Miriam and Aaron, siblings of Moses, were talking against their brother because of his marriage to a Cushite woman.  God called the three of them (Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the temple so God could speak to them.  Miriam received leprosy from the Lord and Aaron begged Moses to forgive the two of them for their foolishness.

Regardless of any preconceptions that you may have against a particular group of people, you should not talk against them in any way especially if those individuals are serving God in some capacity.

Deuteronomy
23:1-7

God clearly set standards for one's inclusion or exclusion from the assembly.  It should be pointed out that God did not exclude certain individuals based on race or nationality but rather because of the actions of the people mentioned.  The only requirement that should be looked at is an individuals personal standing in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

True Biblical unity can only come via true division.  This division must overlook all racial and ethnic differences and be based upon an individual relationship with God.

Psalms
133

Unity is good and pleasant for all brothers involved.  When unity is present, the Lord can bestow his blessing more readily.

Unity allows the church to have a more positive image to the world, drawing others closer.  Unity allows for the church to cooperate as a body of believes more like how God had intended the world to be, allowing us to have a foretaste of heaven.  Unity renews and revitalizes ministries because there is less tension.  Unity allows small differences to exist.

Isaiah
1:16b-1:17a

Stop doing wrong when you know what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  Seek equal justice for all individuals. 

Endeavor to encourage and uplift oppressed individuals.

Isaiah
16:1-5

Isaiah a prophet of the Lord tells the people of Israel to send a peace offering to the Moabites because they are in a state of panic.  Israel should hate the fugitives that are fleeing their homes and offer them safety and shelter from their oppressors.

The Assyrians were about to come and destroy the Moabites.  Moab was in a total state of panic.  Israel threw down their national, racial, and ideological boundaries for their sworn enemies and offered them a place of safety and refuge, because God commanded Israel to do so.

Jonah
4:1-3

Jonah was commanded by God to go into the land of Nineveh and preach to the Ninevites.  Jonah held deep resentment against this group of individuals because of his generalization that all individuals from Nineveh were sinners.

Regardless of what Jonah had decided would be best for him God made him go anyways.  You cannot get through life or even carry out all of what God has for you if you choose to continue essentializing individuals.

Zechariah
2:10-13

The prophet Zechariah was speaking to the people of Israel about the coming day when people from all nations will join together in unity.  This will happen at the coming of the Lord when he comes to establish his kingdom.

Two characteristics of most prophecies are included here: 

Unity and reconciliation.  God's presence is what ultimately draws people together.