Contributed by Wendy ML Tan • Jun 16, 2026

It is easy for us to narrow down to what we often think is the obvious description of the people who face prejudice. The ones who are oppressed, marginalised, poor, desolate, uneducated, dirty; the scum of society. As I reflected on the sermon that was preached, it dawned on me that while I had my own prejudices against those who seemed less fortunate than myself, there will be people who have prejudices against me. And the more I thought about it, the more I came to realise the sheer expanse of prejudice in our society. It is everywhere, at every rank and every age.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in an Orang Asli (OA) outreach by helping out with snacks and skits. I had wanted to go as I am currently on my semester break and it has been years since I last set foot in a secluded village. I wanted to see for myself if it would be a ministry that I could serve in the future. Perhaps, I would.

My prejudices towards these people groups have lessened over the years. I remember my first encounter when a refugee family cooked a simple meal under the Picha Project. It was a father’s story and plea that moved my heart. All he wanted was for his children to receive free education. It was a noble and humble request. That evening onwards, I learned to see the refugees, the OA community and even those who live in PPR flats, the homeless, and orphans with different lenses. Given the choice, nobody would want to live and remain in impoverished states.

As I pondered further, I thought about my own disabilities. As an autistic person, I sense how people may distance themselves from me. How people had labelled me as being blunt and rude, just because I tend to say it as it is. Or how some would perceive that I am inattentive or unappreciative when I do not look them in the eyes during casual conversations. Or when I seem too proud or aloof to bother with small (usually useless and superficial) talk or senseless jokes.

I am conscious of my shortcomings. It is what keeps me humble, and closer to God. Where would I be without Him? I would be lost.

And finally, I thought about the people that I can be prejudiced against. The ones who score higher academically. The ones that seem to be favoured. The ones whose hair and make-up are impeccable. The ones who splurge on trendy tech and toys. The ones whose passport is stamped all over. The ones with awards lining up their shelves. The ones who seem to have it all together. They have everything; except the Gospel.

My prejudice is that they don’t need to know about my Jesus. They don’t get to have it all, after all. It is this thought that God made me realise that all of us may have prejudices in our hearts that we are not aware of.

Only Jesus had no prejudices against others.

As we grow to be more like Christ, let Him search your hearts. What He reveals to you may catch you off guard, or surprise you, but He is doing so not to harm or hurt you. He just wants you to be a better person. For your own good, for the good of others, and for His glory.