#233 – Even Gentiles

Good morning chosen of God

Acts 11:18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

God’s desire is very clear; that none should perish. Do we have the same heart as Jesus? Are there people or groups that we think are beyond the grace and forgiveness of God? Are there people who we don’t want them to receive God’s absolute forgiveness? God wants to save both Jews and Gentiles, murderers and Mother Theresas, Muslims and Billy Grahams. God’s heart is for all humanity.

Too many times my focus is on people being punished for their crimes. Sometimes I don’t have enough grace. We’ve just had the horrific fires here in Victoria and many of these fires which took many lives were deliberately lit. Do I just want justice or do I believe God loves these people and desires to save them and transform their lives? Some of us struggle with the fairness of these people being forgiven but we need to remember that we have been forgiven much also. I don’t think it’s right for us to receive God’s forgiveness and not pass it on to others, no matter how difficult that might be.

“God help me to feel your heart. Help me to pray more for those who don’t know you, even when they have done terrible things. I pray that you will also help me to always be thankful for your forgiveness of my sins and help me to be a generous dispenser of your grace”

Further reading: Acts 10 & 11