The next day he got up and went with them, together with some of the believers from Joppa. They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Anticipating their arrival, Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in order to honor him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Get up! Like you, I’m just a human.” As they continued to talk, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them, “You all realize that it is forbidden for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. However, God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean. For this reason, when you sent for me, I came without objection. I want to know, then, why you sent for me.” Cornelius answered, “Four days ago at this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon, I was praying at home. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me. He said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayers, and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to him. Therefore, send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is known as Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, located near the seacoast.’ I sent for you right away, and you were kind enough to come. Now, here we are, gathered in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has directed you to say.” (Acts 10:23b-33, CEB)
According to the teachings Peter had as a youth it was not allowed for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. So, anyone who was not a Jew, you could not gather with them. But God through yesterday’s reading vision God showed Peter that all things and people are made by God and therefore clean.
Never should we call people unclean. We are to be salt and light to the world and calling someone unclean or unworthy doesn’t help us share love.
Our calling is to share love with the world, and when we judge others we are not loving them. We are saying if they are worthy of love or not and that is not our place.
Our place is to love. Love out Loud.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 