in my Father's house are many rooms
"In my Father's house are many rooms" - John 14:2
What does this mean? Like many bible quotes, it can mean a lot of things and sometimes depends on the interpretation that we put on it.
For my interpretation it indicates that God does not expect us all to be the same and that everyone is different, but everyone is also a child of God.
It frequently disappoints me then, to hear so many who claim to be Christians, condemning people for their skin colour, sexual orientation etc etc. These things should not be spoken out loud but, equally importantly, shouldn't really enter the thoughts of anyone who claims to be trying to get closer to God. Unfortunately, we can't always control thoughts that pop into our heads, especially in the heat of the moment..
Of course, we all make mistakes and are 'sinners'. An encounter with someone of a different race that makes us angry may encourage us to associate that particular race with negative things, but, like other destructive thoughts, we should try to let this pass rather than give it any lasting significance. (I will discuss the 'levels of sin' in a future post). If these thoughts linger though, silent prayer can really help. Not by using the quietness to work out in our minds the solution, but to place total trust in God by letting go and letting the spirit guide us.