May 19, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for May 19th: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35: Theme: Acceptance of all of God’s People Acts: This is an important verse on learning to understand others. Peter has been in ministry to the gentiles. Just as the Jewish powers that be were uncomfortable with Jesus not following tradition, they wanted to make sure that Peter followed his Jewish tradition. Peter had every intention to do just that, until God spoke to him and told him that it was okay to be accepting of others. It was okay to eat the things that they ate, in order to identify with them. When the authorities found out, they questioned Peter. Peter asked that the authorities not focus on what Peter did, but on what God was doing in the lives of the gentiles. As we struggle to understand the point of others, and to accept them, perhaps it is important for us to also look at what God is doing in their lives. If God accepts them as they are, shouldn’t we do the same? John 13:31-35: Jesus has gathered his disciples together for the last meal. He knows that Judas will betray him. So when Judas is not in the room, he takes the opportunity to speak to the other disciples. Jesus gives them the commandment to love one another. Love is the message that Jesus has been giving all along. Love one another. Does that mean to only love those who are just like us, or do we love all of God’s children? Do we love our enemies? Are the a part of the one In the Christian family, there are many interpretations of how far our love is supposed to go. But Jesus does give us a hint of what he means, when he says that God is glorified in our love for one another. Who are the people who God loves? Does God just love those who are like us? Or does God love everybody? How do we show love to one another? All questions we have to ponder everyday. Questions: When have you gone out of your comfort zone for your faith? What is God doing in the lives of people that you don’t understand? How does God call you to respond? What are you called to differently in order to “love one another”?