He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean."
Acts 10:28
OBSERVATION
The first chapter of Acts gives Jesus' command for his followers to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts tells the story of how the early church began to carry this mission out. In chapter 10, God gives Peter a vision to help promote this cause. The Jews drew up dividing lines between "us" and "them." "Our side" and "there side." God is telling Peter, and the early church, that in his Kingdom there are no dividing lines. Every side is His side.
APPLICATION
What dividing lines do I draw up? Who do I consider to be on the other side? What is my attitude towards those who look differently than I do? Those who believe differently than I do? Those who act differently than I do? I need to stop judging and begin loving.
OBSERVATION
The first chapter of Acts gives Jesus' command for his followers to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts tells the story of how the early church began to carry this mission out. In chapter 10, God gives Peter a vision to help promote this cause. The Jews drew up dividing lines between "us" and "them." "Our side" and "there side." God is telling Peter, and the early church, that in his Kingdom there are no dividing lines. Every side is His side.
APPLICATION
What dividing lines do I draw up? Who do I consider to be on the other side? What is my attitude towards those who look differently than I do? Those who believe differently than I do? Those who act differently than I do? I need to stop judging and begin loving.
PRAYER
Jesus, help me to see your love for others. Help me to not to divide people between "us" and "them." Give me opportunities to build genuine relationships with those who are outside the bubble I live in. Help me to see them as unique people created in your image.
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