“28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Notice in the verse above, “those who” is used twice. There is no nationality, no cultural denotation, no color, no religion, only love for God that identifies us. Talk about diversity and inclusion. All we have to do is love God and we are in. I am all for that.
Here’s where it gets a little tough, we are to love as God loves and that means accepting everyone as God accepts everyone. It may seem like an easy thing, but I will admit that there are people in this world that are hard to love (I am sure you are aware of a few). Those that persecute us, murderers, those that believe differently than us, and those that live a different lifestyle than we do all cloud our judgement of who and how to love.
And yet see here:
“25As indeed he says in Hosea, ‘Those who were not my people I will call “my people,” and her who was not beloved I will call “beloved.” 26And in the very place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” there they will be called “sons of the living God.”’” – Romans 9:25-26 (ESV)
God loves all and his love is for all. We are afforded love from God and therefore aren’t we to be the example of God here. We have the obligation to be the example of God’s love and what better example than showing his love for ALL.
Where is your heart when you are confronted by those that challenge your ability to provide love? Are you able to love in the example of God? If we are not able to love, what right do we have to God’s love? Aren’t we a part of the ALL?
Trevor's Thoughts 