Wednesday 22 April 2026

Psalm 32:8-11

Background
Within the highly unequal and hierarchical society of the Roman Empire, Christianity offered revolutionary ideas of spiritual equality and social inclusion, which particularly appealed to women, slaves and others who were social outsiders. The message that they were personally loved enough by God for Jesus to die a painful death for their sake and that, after their death, they would share in the kingdom of God brought great hope into their often difficult lives. In addition, Early Christians created communities that emphasised supporting the vulnerable, such as widows and orphans, the disabled and the poor, thus putting their teaching of love for others into practice. Deacons were appointed to ensure fairness in the distribution of food and other resources.

Working-class people, such as miners, mill workers and farm labourers, often responded well to Early Methodism. Literacy rates in some congregations could be low, and hymns were sometimes 'lined out', meaning that each line was read out before it was sung. Again, the Christian message gave them hope and a sense of spiritual purpose and social justice. Many took opportunities to further their education. Although UK Methodism in some areas later developed into more of a middle-class denomination, more recently its leaders are reaching out to those marginalised in our society and are stressing equality, diversity and inclusion.

Caring for others, which was such a feature of the Early Church, has remained a feature of the Church’s mission through the centuries. Schools, hospitals and charities were often, and in some cases still are, Christian initiatives. Even though today in the UK, the welfare state has taken on much of social provision, Christians still have a role to play.

After Jesus' resurrection, the disciple Thomas said, “Except I see in his hands the print of the nails … I will not believe.” (John 20:25) It has been suggested that what Thomas said of Christ, the world is saying about the Church. Unless people can see a living faith in action, they will think it is all 'just words', and largely irrelevant to their lives. It’s no good telling people that our faith is centred on love, unless we can demonstrate it, both within the Church and beyond its walls, and show it in our own lives as well.

To Ponder:

• What is your experience of equality, diversity and inclusion within the Christian Church?
• How effective are your local churches is reaching out beyond their walls?
• What activities in your church draw in people who aren’t church-goers?

Prayer
Loving God, help us to remember that your love extends to all people. Show us how we can best reach out to share that love with others. Amen.

Bible notes author: Philip Sudworth
Philip is a local preacher in the Wigan Circuit. Having retired from a career in the education service, he’s kept busy with voluntary work. He has had articles on faith published in seven countries. Grandchildren have given him renewed insights into awe and wonder, love and trust. Frequent questions remind him that anyone who thinks he has all the answers hasn’t yet found half the questions.