Embracing Others

The Apostle Peter once said, “Now I truly know that God shows no partiality!” (Acts 10) Jesus had spoken to him in a dream, and he made it crystal clear that even the gentiles, people so utterly different than Peter, were welcome and loved by God.”

In his book, “Learning to Lead,” Fred Smith writes, “Immature individuals can’t enjoy people who are different. They prefer people just like themselves. Maturity is being comfortable with diversity.”

Pastor and author Joshua Kang builds on this. In his book Deep-Rooted in Christ, he writes, “Sometimes when people think differently from us, we’re quick to say they are wrong. But being different isn’t necessarily wrong… Those who refuse to embrace others are thinking only about themselves… As we expand our hearts to embrace others, we begin to accept, understand and love their differences.”

At this time in our nation’s history, when we are so polarized on any number of issues, I pray that those of us who follow Jesus might set a better example. May we live as he lived – loving, serving, and embracing even those who think, look, and act differently from ourselves.

Let us pray: Loving God, sometimes we feel like we know best and that others are simply ignorant. Save us from our pride. Remind us again that you created and love all people. We remember today that in your kingdom there are people young and old, rich and poor, democrats and republicans, people speaking every language, from every nation and race. One day, O Lord, we hope to sit with them and with you at the heavenly ban quit table. We pray in the name of the One who gave his life for us and for all. Amen.