Love Without Limits
Acts 10:34-48
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Thoughts:
The church's motive must be to reveal salvation to all people… literally everyone. God desires that we love the person with syringe track marks, the one who smells of alcohol and vomit, the individual whose background differs from ours, the one whose sin makes us uncomfortable. Jesus never asked about a person's status or pedigree before healing or saving them. He didn't investigate the woman caught in adultery's past; He offered forgiveness and a new beginning. Our job isn't to be the soul patrol, monitoring dress codes and outward appearances. It's to demonstrate Christ's love so powerfully that the watching world and even the angels of Heaven marvel at this diverse body united in Him. When we withhold love based on appearance or past, we withhold the remedy for eternal death.
Prayer:
Who have you been avoiding because they don't fit your expectations? What are your reasons for not sharing the Gospel with them? Pray and ask God to change your heart and help you reach out to them.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Thoughts:
The church's motive must be to reveal salvation to all people… literally everyone. God desires that we love the person with syringe track marks, the one who smells of alcohol and vomit, the individual whose background differs from ours, the one whose sin makes us uncomfortable. Jesus never asked about a person's status or pedigree before healing or saving them. He didn't investigate the woman caught in adultery's past; He offered forgiveness and a new beginning. Our job isn't to be the soul patrol, monitoring dress codes and outward appearances. It's to demonstrate Christ's love so powerfully that the watching world and even the angels of Heaven marvel at this diverse body united in Him. When we withhold love based on appearance or past, we withhold the remedy for eternal death.
Prayer:
Who have you been avoiding because they don't fit your expectations? What are your reasons for not sharing the Gospel with them? Pray and ask God to change your heart and help you reach out to them.
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