Not long ago, a young man visited our church. He was from out of state and had slept in his car in our parking lot the night before. His clothes were worn, and his language was rough. But as a church, we did our best to welcome him with open arms.
That encounter reminded me of something important: not everyone who needs God will look, act, or speak like me. In fact, many of them will look quite different, and may speak or act so differently that I may wonder how to even make a connection. But that's okay — because my calling as a follower of Jesus is to show love, not to judge. And his Spirit will empower me to do so, as I yield my life to his control.
Jesus died for everyone. He came for the world — not just for the religious, the well-behaved, or the socially accepted. He seeks out the lost, the broken, and the overlooked. If you already know His love, remember this: the people the world ignores or avoids are often the very people Jesus is running toward. Will you join him as he runs toward them?
Dear God, Thank you for loving all of us. Help me to love others the way you do. Amen.
Throughout this Day: Make intentional eye contact and show kindness to someone who may go unnoticed.
Photo Credit: Volodymyr Leush