Romans 15:7-9: Reaching Out
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
It is too easy to exclude those with whom we do not get along. It is too simple to reject enemies and assume negative thinking. It is too simple to form ourselves with dualistic thinking, creating tribes of those for and those against our way of thinking. Paul tells us that there is another way to behave when faced with the real meaning of the Gospel.
So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!
It is so difficult to put down our fears to extend a hand to those who announced our destruction as their intent. It is so disruptive to invite discordant voices into the symphony. It is so chaotic to have to explain ourselves yet again to those who will not listen.
Jesus, staying true to God’s purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them.
It is so simple when we place out trust in God. It is so authentic when we live as Jesus does. It is so refreshing to witness truth to lies by responding with patience rather than anger
As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God.
It is so surprising when we discover what God has in mind for us. It is so uplifting when we allow God’s will to transform us. It is so salvific when we do as Jesus asks and as the Spirit directs.
Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do!
It is so promising when we allow ourselves to reach out to others, even our enemies . . . especially our enemies. It is so rewarding when we stay true to the Gospel Jesus lives for us. It is so comforting when we rest in God’s enormous, wise and immutable hands . . . that reach out to bring us into the fold.
Click on the image of the flower above for a series of reflections that remind us of the many promises God makes and keeps, or visit: http://www.fwnl.org/tag/gods-promises/
Hands image from: https://sojo.net/articles/learning-surrender
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