Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

“Father Abraham had many sons, and many sons had Father Abraham.”   

I hope you are singing that with me as you read today’s passage. Abraham was not saved because he was Jewish.  He was saved because he had faith.  The Galatians believed that to be saved like Abraham the Gentiles had to become Jewish like Abraham instead of simply believing as he did.   

Let’s look at the idea of putting restrictions on others’ salvation until they become like us. The Galatians thought the Gentiles had to become Jewish to be saved; to share their same ethnic background. Now let’s look at ourselves like we’re looking at the Galatians. How often do we look at someone and think they are not worthy of the Gospel because they aren’t like us? Because they dress differently than we do? Because they live differently? Because they are from a different socio-economic class? Because they are dirty and their clothes are ragged? Because they are a different color than us or have different political beliefs?  Maybe this isn’t you, but I am sad to say it has been me. 

Please do not read this as me judging, shaming, or calling anyone out. This is me sharing thoughts and beliefs that I, myself have had before!  Many of us grew up in South Mississippi in a very conservative religious setting where we have seen more eyebrows raised and more whispers shared than we may like to admit.  And the basis of those raised eyebrows and whispers become ingrained in us. When I was younger, I judged the motives and actions of others based on the questions I posed above. That’s what I had grown up learning from others around me and I didn’t know any different. If you are taught that 2+2=5, that’s what you believe.  It makes me shudder to think about that, but also so grateful that God opened my eyes to what it means to love my neighbor.   
People don’t have to be like me to be worthy of the Gospel or to be a part of the family (#Ventureworship). God doesn’t just offer salvation to the well-dressed, middle-class members who show up to church every Sunday with their lives together. It breaks my heart that so often “religious” people are the ones putting up the red tape that keeps people from Jesus. They make others believe that they have to become a certain way before they can be considered worthy.   

Long before there was a campus or even House Churches in Jones County, several of us got together weekly to play back the previous Sunday’s message and invited anyone to join and be a part of what God was doing at Venture Church. At one of those Watch Parties, we had a man come up who had been asked to leave another church because he wasn’t dressed correctly. What an eye-opener! I cannot express how thankful I am for our church. I have seen the love of Jesus poured out on people from every walk of life in the 8 years we have been at Venture. It is a special place. It's a church for the unchurched.   

As we all find ourselves in so many circles each day, may we see everyone through the eyes of Jesus; worthy to receive the Gospel just as they are. God invited both the Jews and the Gentiles to know Him just as they were, and I am so thankful He did the same for me.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflections: 

• Who can you share the Gospel with who isn’t like you? 
  
• How can you be more intentional with seeing others through God’s eyes?
• Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for seeing us through the eyes of mercy. We don't have to dress a certain way or be perfect to be loved by You. Help me to remember that when I am around people who are not like me. Fill me with Your love, compassion, and mercy so it can overflow to those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.