Today’s passage from Colossians proclaims a profound truth: that in Christ, the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him, all things on earth and in heaven are reconciled to God. This truth has deeply resonated with me, shaping my journey across cultures and languages.

UNIVERSAL LANGUAGES

Growing up in an international family, travel and cultural immersion had a profound impact on my worldview. Multilingualism was not just encouraged but was necessary. From a young age, my parents took me to worship in churches across the world, often in places where I did not speak the language. At first, worshipping in an unfamiliar tongue felt unsettling, even awkward. Yet, there was also something wonderfully intriguing about the experience.

When my ability to understand speech was limited, my other senses became more attuned. The melodies of hymns grew richer, the scent of incense more vivid, and the expressions of worshippers more profound. It was in these moments that I discovered the universal languages that unite God’s people: music, faith, and love.

The reassurance that Jesus is our Good Shepherd and that we are all part of His flock instilled a deep sense of belonging that overcame any fear of worshipping among those of different cultures and traditions. No matter where I was, my identity as a beloved child of God remained unchanged.

UNIVERSAL WORSHIP

One of the most unforgettable experiences of intercultural worship I ever had was in 2013, at a conference in North Mbale, Uganda. Ministers from across the region had gathered—many from communities facing hardship and uncertainty. As a nutritionist, I shared insights on achieving a balanced diet with local ingredients, while others spoke on theology, farming, and leadership.

But what impacted me most was the worship. No instruments, no ambient lighting—just voices lifted high in harmonious acapella. Though I did not understand the words they sang, I felt their power. Strength, courage, and faith poured through their voices, and I joined in, singing in my own language while they sang in theirs. At that moment, I was reminded of the message in Colossians — that God reconciles all things through Christ, bringing together people of diverse cultures, traditions, and backgrounds in one glorious song of praise. It also echoed the image in Revelation of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language standing before the throne of God.

Through Christ, we find belonging, acceptance, and love. Diversity is not a barrier—it is a blessing. Witnessing God’s people worship in their own language, tradition, and culture expands our understanding of His vast and immeasurable love for all nations and all creation.

THE REIGN OF CHRIST

Perhaps one of the most profound demonstrations of divine love is Christ’s mercy on the cross—a love so deep that, even in His agony, He pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of those who condemned Him and reassured the thief beside Him in His final moments. And as His followers, we are called to be imitators of Christ and to be His light and hope in the world.

The crowd that mocked and condemned Jesus could not fully grasp the gravity of their actions. In much the same way, we often fail to recognise the true impact of our words and deeds until God, in His mercy, reveals them to us. Our blind spots—whether born of ignorance, pride, or fear—can prevent us from seeing clearly. That is why we must continually examine our hearts, laying them before God with humility, and seeking the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit in all we do.

PRAYER AND APPLICATION

I pray we would love one another as Christ loves us, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us to walk in love, extend grace to others, and reflect the mercy Christ so freely gave. May we see diversity as a strength, challenging ourselves to foster a culture of fairness, inclusion, and unity, so that our churches would come to reflect the fullness of God’s kingdom here on earth, where Christ the King reigns in our hearts, creating a church culture where all nations regardless of races, ages, and genders would come to believe, belong and become the people God has called us to be.