While talking with him (Cornelius), Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection.
Peter is a good example of how God can change us. He learned quickly that God hates prejudice. We should spread his love to all, poor or rich, fat or thin, citizen or non-citizen, straight or LGBTQ. That doesn’t mean we should agree with behaviors that the Bible says are wrong, but none of us are without sin, so we should be merciful as God is with us. Everyone needs the love and saving grace of Jesus.
When God sends us to help someone who is dirty, sinful, or proud, we should go without raising any objections.
Father God, I praise You for showing me mercy. Let me be willing to spread Your love joyfully to everyone you give me so they know I am Yours. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
I also pray for mercy and to have an open heart to all. The first thing that I thought of was the programs that are in place at prisons to spread the word of God. Those programs have changed the lives of so many men and women and lead them to a better path. A church should be a place of love, God’s grace and mercy for all.
Unfortunately not that many churches help people getting out of jail to assimilate back into society. The Salvation Army doesn’t have enough resources to help everyone. I prayed for you this morning. Love and Blessings, Jody