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Lent 5: Fast from Prejudice

There is neither
Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,
male nor female for
all are one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28.

I was raised to believe that all people who had tattoos were a lower class of people who had bad behaviors.

Just look at some to the tattoos!

That may have been true in the 40's and 50's, but I was only a kid and assumed my parent's prejudice was acceptable.

Times have changed and I have come to recognize my parent's prejudices may have been appropriate for them, but no longer for me.

I have come to see tattoos as an art form worn skin deep. 

Everyone has prejudices and recognition is the first step to overcoming them.

Fasting from prejudice may begin with prayer based on a psalm such as Psalm 139: search me O God, and know my heart: see if there is any offensive way in me. 

Dr. Steven C. Hayes Suggests the following:
  • Listen to and learn from people who hold different views, and be open to changing your own perspectives. 
  • Focus on understanding the experiences and perspectives of others, and try to see the world from their point of view. 
  • Get to know people who belong to groups that your mind judges because personal connections can help build understanding.
Finally, focus on Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" and "Love your neighbor as yourself".

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