SCRIPTURE: Acts 11:1-18

OBSERVATION:
Here we have the first of many internal battles in the church about religious protocol. In this story the believers listen to Peter and celebrate the manifestation of God’s grace, but throughout history there have been huge conflicts and divisions that resulted in very un-Christ-like actions and attitudes. How do we explain apartheid and segregation of races promoted by the church in light of this passage? Through this passage the Spirit is again telling us to reach out to the “second-class” citizens of our day (homeless, addicted, immoral, prisoners, illegal immigrants, etc.) and love them as brothers and sisters in need of God’s grace. `Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’

APPLICATION:
I do not separate people into classes in obvious ways, but unconsciously I do look at people of different cultures, religions, lifestyles, social standings, work ethics, etc. as less than me. Do I pay attention to the people around my neighbourhood, at my work or school, who are different from me? Do I even consider what their lives might be like? The Spirit is prompting my heart to see these people as my brothers and sisters – equally in need of God’s grace and mercy and help as me. Thankfully the Lord is not waiting for us to get it, and bringing people to us who are different from us, that we may be blessed by them.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for expanding my personal borders and allowing me to meet people of different backgrounds and expressions of faith, even in the church. Help me to develop Your heart and eyes to see them as equal with me in our need for You. Help me to share Your love with them, and receive Your love through them. Amen.