Scripture
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[a] on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”
Reflection
I love the documentary filmed on the life of Mr. Fred Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”. Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister whose mission field was children’s television. The entire purpose of the show was to extend a hand to all people, regardless of color, handicap, regular or extraordinary. Everyone was accepted and loved. In Fred Roger’s radical acceptance of others, he brought great praise to God. Jesus revealed to us in the parable of the Good Samaritan about what a good neighbor might look like. It was not who the Jews thought it was then and it is not who we think it is now. It is often who we don’t think it is. Radical love and acceptance of others does not mean we allow unholy lifestyles to exist in our lives, it means we love those around us who do not live holy lifestyles. It also means, we take care of those who we may have differences with because that’s a neighbor is called to do. When Christ’s unconditional love is shown, God’s glory begins to permeate.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray through your contacts! Open the contacts on your phone and pray for everyone under the letter “S”, “T” and “V”
