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15:26 And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 15:27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 15:28 Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.
13:13 So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Today our sermon was about Romans 15:21-28. The general theme (I hope I determined it
correctly) was avoiding prejudice towards others. Our Lord at first did not help this woman from Canaan. Was it prejudice? Jesus was human. Of course he immediately changed his mind. I try to be open-minded - I often say I'm so open-minded my brains are going to fall out - and to me the second verse referenced above says it all. We must love ALL - no exceptions. I have found that extending courtesy and respect to everyone results in only one thing- a reciprocal response. I remember while collecting for the Salvation Army at a local grocery store a woman asked if the funds were going to an "organized religion" ? Of course I was there representing my Lutheran Church - which is pretty organized - but responded, "for the disadvantaged". But I asked if she
needed help loading her groceries - her gruff exterior softened and she donated $20. I was determined that I would not be "turned-off" or "pre-judge" based on her aggression. I will not let hate or suspicion be my way of life. If this brings danger or derision-so be it. Not one single individual is better than an other.
7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.
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