People came from all sorts of places and backgrounds. Some had Jewish roots, while others didn’t. Some were just scraping by, struggling to make ends meet, while others lived with plenty. They lived in different parts of the world, spoke different languages, and celebrated different cultures. They were a diverse crowd—but they all received the same promise.

It was the promise Jesus brought: forgiveness and a restored relationship with God, all through grace. And this promise? It wasn’t just for a select few. It was for everyone.

Paul puts it this way in Galatians 3:
“So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

In other words, our background, status, or story doesn’t determine our place in God’s family. What matters is whether or not we’ve accepted the invitation. God looks at the heart—plain and simple.

And guess what? That hasn’t changed. God still looks past all the surface stuff and straight into the heart. You and I might be part of a beautifully diverse world, but we’re all invited to share in the same grace.

The Bible encourages us to do the same—to look at each other’s hearts instead of judging by appearances. So, how are we doing with that?

Something to think about—and something worth sharing. 💬❤️

We all have goals and dreams—we put in the effort, hoping to see them come to life. But as followers of Christ, there’s one goal that stands above the rest: becoming more like Him.

Paul gives us some helpful advice on this in Philippians 3. He says, “I’m not claiming that I’ve already reached perfection or achieved everything. But I keep moving forward, trying to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I haven’t gotten there yet, but here’s what I do: I forget what’s behind me and focus on what’s ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize God has called me to through Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s words remind us to keep our focus in two key areas:

1. Let go of the past.
That’s not always easy, is it? But we can’t let our past define or control us.

• Maybe we’ve already accomplished great things—but there’s still more ahead. We can’t coast.
• Or maybe we’ve messed up. That happens. But by God’s grace, we don’t have to stay stuck in regret. He helps us move forward.

2. Keep your eyes on what’s ahead.
It’s all about looking forward—toward the eternal reward waiting for us. When we keep our eyes on that Heavenly prize, it gives us purpose. It gives us energy to keep going.

So, don’t get weighed down by what’s behind you. Look ahead. Keep pressing on. There’s something amazing waiting at the finish line.