All-inclusive
Sometimes as we sit and watch the world go by, it can seem that some people get what they don’t deserve – all the good breaks, all the adulation, credit where it may not be due, or just always manage to fall on their feet. Whilst others never seem to get the breaks they deserve, or the credit that is due, the help they need or any fair play. It can be very frustrating – we feel there should be a lot more justice in the world.
But one place where we all deserve, and get, an equal share is with God. As the story of Acts rolls on God does what God does – pours out his love and blessings, in this case in terms of the Holy Spirit, on those who others excluded. The Jewish believers had kind of assumed it was a gift for them, God’s chosen ones. Now it becomes clear that is for all God’s people. God’s gifts are not for who we decide, not for those who fit the world’s criteria – they are for each and every person – no exclusions.
For as 1 John 5:1-6 points out, everyone who believes in Jesus is a child of God. There are no conditions to meet, no test to pass, believing in Jesus makes you a child of God, special to him, able to live in his love and care.
And that’s where it comes full circle. If we love God, we love his children – all of them – no exceptions. We are called to live in his love – and love as he loves us. We may be surprised at some of the things God is doing, and who he uses, but it is our place to let God be God, to remain in his love, to obey his commands, and to love one another – as he has loved us. God’s family is a place of inclusivity. We are not better – or worse – than any other member. We need to think on that, and reflect it in our life, our faith, our love – in the world.
Pam's Perambulation 