This phrase “Beautiful People” kept coming to me after I had spoken to Daddy God this morning about what is on His heart. I believe He was referring to the protests in different parts of the world. Different groups carry their own agendas, and it has become global news. Many of us are left asking questions. I do not claim to know it all—none of us do. Only God knows the full story. What I can share is my own journey with “people from different ethnic groups,” how they shaped me, and what I have learned. My prayer is that God will guide us into positive thoughts and help us work through our own hearts on this matter.
Growing Up in Malaysia
As a Malaysian Chinese girl, I grew up with neighbors from different provinces of China as well as Indians from India. At first, it was strange to hear dialects like Shanghainese or Fujian. Even though we were all “Chinese,” they did not feel like “my people.” We spoke differently and our cultures were not the same.
At school, however, I easily related to my Malaysian-born Indian, Malay, and Chinese friends, even though they spoke other dialects and languages. They felt like “my people.” Looking back, I wonder how the immigrant parents felt being around us. Did they see us as “their people,” or always as outsiders trying to fit in?
Moving to New Zealand
Later in life, I moved to New Zealand after marriage. I thought I would fit easily into my husband’s church family. After all, we are all Christians, one family in Christ. While most welcomed me warmly, some struggled to communicate with me. Even today, I sometimes struggle to fully catch what Kiwis are saying—and they sometimes have the same struggle with me. I chuckle as I write this. Though we all speak English, we often communicate in very different ways! My Kiwi husband is still asking new friends “where about are you from?”. Malaysians just don’t understand that he is asking “where are you from?”.
Ruth the Moabitess
This brings me to Ruth. How do you think she felt when she returned with Naomi to Bethlehem? Was it easy to adjust, to work among people who constantly referred to her as “Ruth the Moabitess” (Ruth 1:4, 2:2)? She had lost her husband, left her homeland, and stepped into a culture where Moabites were not highly regarded. Surely she had moments of concern and loneliness.
Her declaration, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16), was not a small decision. Naomi also must have considered the challenges—Moabites were not easily accepted in Israel. Yet through faith and loyalty, Ruth listened to Naomi’s guidance, worked hard, and trusted Yahweh. She was one of God’s “Beautiful People.” God included Ruth into King David’s lineage and she became one of the earthly ancestors of Jesus. Humble beginnings of Ruth did not hinder her from being great.
Paul the Apostle
Did Saul who became Paul considered as beautiful to God? Did he qualifies as one of God’s “beautiful people”before he followed Jesus? At first, the disciples were afraid of him and kept him at a distance after Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:26). Who could blame them? He had persecuted Christians, even consenting to their deaths. For years, Paul remained in Tarsus until Barnabas brought him to Antioch (Acts 11:25–26). One scholars said it took him 10–14 years of preparation before stepping fully into ministry. That is a long time to wait.
Despite his past and the suspicion he faced, God had already chosen Paul. Jesus came in a vision and gave Ananias His prophesy over Saul : “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15). This gave Ananias strength and confidence to go and pray for Saul. By the time he reached Saul, he was able to address him as “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17), it was a profound act of acceptance.
Paul went on to plant churches, write much of the New Testament, and impact countless lives—without airplanes, internet, or modern communication. I believe that God has seen his future and called him as one of His “beautiful people”, while Saul was still a sinner, unbeliever and a murderer. In the Lord’s shaping and moulding of Saul’s life, He sent people like Ananias and Barnabas, who trusted Him and helped Saul become the Paul we know today.
Who Are the Beautiful People Today?
When God whispers “Beautiful People” to me, I believe He is reminding us to see as He sees. Not only those who look like us, speak our language, or share our background. Not only those inside our Christian “family.” But all people, from every nation and tongue, made in His image.
Like Ruth, outsiders can become family by faith. Like Paul, even those with a dark past can become God’s chosen vessels. And like Ananias and Barnabas we too are invited to welcome the ones God is transforming, even if it feels risky.
So, who are the “Beautiful People” to you today? Maybe it’s the ones you already love. Maybe it’s those you find difficult to accept. Talk to Daddy God about them. He loves every people group. He calls them all beautiful.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for creating every person in Your image. Thank You for Ruth, who showed loyalty and faith; for Paul, who showed transformation and courage; and for Ananias, who showed obedience and acceptance. Open my eyes to see others as You see them—Your Beautiful People. Remove prejudice, fear, and hesitation from my heart. Fill me with Your love for every nation, every tongue, and every neighbor I meet. Help me to welcome others into Your family, just as You welcomed me through Jesus.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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