God doesn't want us to ignore the people that we feel uncomfortable with - the diseased, disabled, poor, or anyone different from ourselves. They need to see His love, too.Jesus was a good example of this. He ministered to men with leprosy, a man filled with demons, a woman living in adultery, a tax collector.
Jesus commanded the Jews (in Acts 1:8) to witness to the Samaritans. However, they weren't anxious about obeying Him, because they had racial prejudices towards the Samaritans. Plus, they knew that the Samaritans hated them. Philip is the first man, that we know of, that obeyed Him. When other Jews were fleeing Saul's persecution, Philip went to Samaria. He spoke to the people and God used him to heal people who were lame, paralyzed, and filled with evil spirits. (Acts 8:3-8) The Samaritans were happy about the miracles they saw and revival started to break out.
The Lord tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. He doesn't exclude the people that we don't like. When we obey Him, lives are changed for eternity. People who are different and alone, will feel comforted knowing that a Christian reached out to them.
Christ loved us, and died on the cross for us - knowing that we were sinners, rebellious, and had nothing to offer Him.
Let's challenge ourselves to reach out to people who make us feel uncomfortable. Can you think of anyone?
2 comments:
Thanks for the challenge! I am studying Acts and I loved Chapter 8 and Phillips obedience!
Shari,
Thanks for visiting my blog today. Please come back on Friday's and participate in my Know & Tell meme anytime you would like. I have read some of your posts, and you have done some neat things (13 things you have done) in your life. I will make sure to check out your Evangelize site again...You loaded it with pratical things we can do. Blessings to you!! Sorry about missing your husband... I am sure that must be hard, but I am glad that you noticed God is right there in the midst of all that is going on :)
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