“From these, the nations spread out over the earth after the flood.” – Genesis 10:32

When we think about God’s design for the world, unity might not be the first thing that comes to mind. We live in a world marked by division—whether it’s politics, culture, language, or personal beliefs. It’s easy to feel disconnected from others, especially when differences seem to create walls instead of bridges. But from the very beginning, God’s heart has been for all people to be connected, not just by shared ancestry, but by His divine purpose.

Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, is more than just a genealogy. It’s a blueprint of how humanity spread across the earth after the flood. But it’s not just about geography—it’s about God’s intentional design for diversity and relationship. The descendants of Noah didn’t just form different nations; they carried with them the image of God, meant to reflect His creativity and purpose in the world.

Yet, instead of embracing that unity, humanity has often allowed differences to create division. We categorize, we separate, we elevate one group over another—all things that God never intended. The spread of people across the world was not meant to foster superiority or exclusivity, but rather to showcase the vastness of God’s plan.

Think about it: if we all come from the same place, why do we struggle so much with seeing each other as part of the same family? Why is it easier to notice what separates us rather than what unites us?

The Heart of God in Diversity

Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s kingdom is not bound to one nation, one language, or one people. From Abraham’s descendants to the multicultural church in Acts, to the vision in Revelation where every tribe and tongue worships together before the throne—God’s plan has always been about bringing people together under His name.

But if that’s God’s heart, then why do we still struggle?

Our modern world is no different from ancient times in many ways. We still see hostility between people groups, fear of those who are different, and a desire to isolate ourselves from what feels unfamiliar. But the gospel calls us to something higher. Jesus Himself stepped into a divided world and tore down barriers—not just between Jew and Gentile, but between all who would come to Him.

Living Out God’s Design for Unity

It’s one thing to acknowledge that God values diversity, but it’s another to actively live it out. How do we treat those who are different from us? Do we avoid engaging with people outside of our cultural or social circles? Do we hold onto biases that keep us from seeing others the way God does?

Unity doesn’t mean sameness. It doesn’t mean ignoring differences. It means learning to see people through God’s eyes, recognizing that our differences are not mistakes but intentional designs meant to reflect the richness of His creation.

Instead of allowing our discomfort to build walls, we are called to build bridges. We are called to reflect the love of God in the way we interact with those who don’t look, speak, or think like us.

Father, thank You for creating us in Your image, for weaving together the diversity of nations and cultures as part of Your perfect plan. Help us to see people the way You see them—not as strangers, but as part of the family You’ve been building since the beginning. Soften our hearts toward those who are different from us and give us the courage to be bridge-builders in a divided world. May our lives reflect Your love, Your justice, and Your desire for unity among all people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want to go deeper? Listen to the full episode for a deeper discussion on how Genesis 10 reveals God’s heart for unity. God’s Heart for Unity