Children of God

Today’s message was written by my friend the Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkel, Founder of Dial Hope.

Jesus made the point that real love is inclusive! It is goodwill toward all. Real love sees all people as children of God. Now, this got Jesus into trouble. He associated with the wrong people, questionable people, sinners, tax collectors, the blind and the lame, and the sick.

There’s an interesting theological point here. The religious leaders of Jesus time had the mistaken notion that when people were down on their luck, it was because they had sinned, and this was God’s judgment upon them. So blind, lame, leprous people, and the poor, were looked upon by society as sinners or as wicked people. Jesus saw them as children of God, as persons of integrity and worth, as members of God’s family, as his brothers and sisters. And he loved them and enjoyed them. He accepted all people! The question is, when will we ever learn?

Let us pray: got of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Jesus, we join the procession of those who down through the ages sought to serve and love you with heart, soul, mind, and strength. We thank you this day for your amazing grace and unconditional love. Make us more like the one in his spirit we pray. Amen.