2 minute read
Daily Reading: Genesis 34 GW; Ephesians 2 GW
God unites.
Jesus was Jewish. Born and raised with Jewish tradition, He knew all of the Old Testament laws. During His ministry, he confronted the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Jesus brought truth into the world that still stands the test of time:
“He brought an end to the commandments and demands found in Moses’ Teachings so that He could take Jewish and non-Jewish people and create one humanity in himself.” (Ephesians 2:16 GW)
When you enter into a relationship with Jesus, He reveals the truth. As you apply His teachings to your life, He opens your eyes to things you can’t see. We gain a perspective only seen through God’s eyes:
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:11 NLT)
Jesus unites people through love.
God’s love for us is the connector to those we encounter each day, no matter what their position. Strangers aren’t strangers; they are brothers and sisters in Christ. Skin color, gender, they don’t matter. My mom always said, “If you turn us inside out, we all look the same.” In other words, we all bleed red, just like Jesus did.
Let God’s love unite you with others today. Find ways to share His affection with those who need it. Over Christmas, I gave away angel ornaments. When I gave one to the girl presiding over self-checkout in the grocery store, I loved her response. She said, “This makes me feel good.” Make someone feel good today; watch how it unites you with people in love.
Lord, we are grateful the love you have for us unites us with others. As we move through our days today, let us unite, not divide. Help us to love those who are different from us. Give us extra measures of grace so we can agree to disagree. Let us reflect You well to all we meet. Help us encourage the oppressed, lift the lonely, and leave a legacy of love wherever we go. Only through You can we love at all. Pour into us so we can pour out to others. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What is an action of love you can do today to unite with someone?
