I recently saw a bumper sticker that said “God bless the world. No exceptions.”

No exceptions. This is hard for us to understand because we are always passing judgment on each other’s sin.  Thinking, “Well at least I’m not like so-and-so.”  When things don’t go our way we withhold love and kindness from our brothers and sisters.  I am thankful that God does not treat us the way we  treat each other and it is not for us to decide who is beyond saving or whose sin is greater.

Peter says it clearly in Acts 10 34-36:

Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.

So I am thankful today for the invitation to come to the cross, knowing that I am fully welcomed by Christ as a beloved child.  Are you living as Christ's Beloved today?  Are you looking at others through the eyes of God?

May 13th, 2007