THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 11:1-18
“Even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18)
Can you think of someone that you would be surprised if they repented?
Someone so immoral, so impossibly stubborn or so different?
What stands out for me here is the words ‘God has granted repentance’.
Literally ‘given’, God has given them repentance, the response that leads to life.
God is not limiting Himself to the ones we think are good enough, or acceptable.
God is working in people of other faiths, traditions, cultures, races, practices.
This is why Paul urges prayers to be made for ALL people.
“I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people… This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved…” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
God loves all His creation children as their Creation Father.
That makes everyone our creation family, in need of God’s mercy (like me).
As a Jesus follower, am I as open to others as God is?
Do I see others – even the most wicked – as my desperate siblings needing help?
May God grant me repentance for my closed and unloving heart.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, grant me the gift of love and mercy for all people. Help me to see that I am no better or worse than anyone else, that I need You just as much as… THEM!!!