Acceptance

Apr 24, 2016 | by John Hirling | series: Easter


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Acceptance
You must treat foreigners with the same loving care – remember, you were once foreigners in Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10:19, The Message
Dear God, open my heart so that I can see people as Jesus knows them and see Jesus in the people you bring to me. Make me attentive to those who are taking tentative steps towards you.
 
Focusing on what makes us the same keeps the channels open for connection. Say a prayer of acceptance: “He/she wants to be heard just like me. Just like me, he/she is worthy of love”.
Seek someone who may have a
different faith or perspective than you. Engage in a conversation just to understand their view and not voice yours.

Gospel: John 13:31-35

After washing the disciples’ feet, predicting his betrayal, and then revealing his betrayer, Jesus speaks of his glorification on the cross. This deep complicated love of Jesus, even to death on the cross, will be the distinctive mark of Jesus’ community.

31When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

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