Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.
Let me start with a confession - this passage of scripture is for me! It convicts me every time I read it. As much as I would like to think otherwise, too often I find myself thinking like Peter- that I don’t need to associate with certain people because they aren’t like me. Because they are “impure” or “unclean.” I don’t always intentionally think like this, it’s just that sometimes my innate, selfish nature takes over, especially when I visit certain large-chain shopping establishments. As silly as it sounds, I often have to pray my way through some of these places to see others through God’s eyes and show love, even as I try to push my way through 75 people on the bread aisle!
Peter’s hesitation to go to Cornelius was less about his personal feelings and more about his understanding of the law, which he thought prohibited a Gentile from becoming a follower of Christ. However, after this vision, Peter understood God’s message to go into the home of this Gentile and share the Gospel. He understood that the Gentiles were not actually inferior people. Once his eyes were opened to this truth, he went obediently to Cornelius’ home, shared the Gospel, and saw many Gentiles give their lives to God. When the Holy Spirit prompts us, we must be obedient. We never know whose lives may be changed as a result of our obedience.
Like Peter, it is not up to us to decide who is deserving of hearing the Gospel, or even deserving of being shown love and kindness (which comes from the work of God in our lives). In Matthew 28:19, Jesus gives the command to “go and make disciples of all nations.” All nations = all people. Whether that’s the group of old friends blocking the aisle I’m rushing down as they catch up on life or the person in another country who has never heard of Jesus; the person who has more than us, less than us, dresses differently, or lives differently. Maybe it’s the family member who is the black sheep and keeps everyone frustrated. When God prompts, we are to go. All nations = all people.
Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflections:
- Who can you show the love of Jesus to today?
- Is there someone God has been prompting you to show love and kindness to? To share the Gospel with?
- Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the love that You have shown me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Today, I pray that You would replace the grace that I am able to show with Yours. Replace the love that I have for others with Your love. Guide me to the people who You want me to love today. In Jesus' name, Amen.