God’s Love Is for All
AM Psalm 18:1-20 • PM Psalm 18:21-50
Job 8:1-10, 20-22 • Acts 10:17-33 • John 7:14-36
Both as a member of the church and as an outsider to the faith years before my baptism I kept hearing the same message day after day: God loves everyone. And it’s true, God loves God’s creations, God’s children, God’s kingdom with far greater intensity and duration than we can fathom. We are invited each week to come seek God in church, connect with our community, and further our pilgrimage of faith. But what of those outside our community, or who do not look or act like us? Are they deserving of God’s love as well as our love?
The readings for today creates a narrative of what one feels in the absence of God’s love and the need to extend that love to all people. The passage from Job feels more a cry for answers, a difficult spot in one’s life. When all is falling apart and we stray off the path, it can feel harrowing and heartbreaking. We may view God as an all seeing strict judge, quick to punish and correct perceived faults. Certainly, in times of crisis we may relate to this passage and feel lost and broken. However, we might also see God’s actions and judgement and a vehicle for bettering ourselves, learning from mistakes, and extending our lessons onto others facing difficult trials.
As Peter explains to the apostles, all people are welcomed to God’s table, that “even Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” God loves all of God’s children, even the ones that do not fit our ideas and molds of what the children of God look like. What harm do we perpetuate in this world when we exclude God’s teachings and lessons from those different than us? Surely, even if painful, any one of us would welcome God’s judgement if it meant following a path to not only improve ourselves but also our world. We must see God’s eternal love and compassion in God’s works and continue extending that love to all. For as Christ said, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Written by Danica Hawthorne
As a member of the Daughters of the King, Danica is taking a role as a mentor and Directress of a Junior Daughters of the King Chapter at St. Paul’s. The importance of safeguarding and teaching the newest generation is paramount to creating a strong and vibrant community.