Bob is short and squat, overweight and not too tidy. He walks with a limp and comes into church late every week. He crawls across people to a seat. He doesn’t know the words of the songs. Instead he grunts or cries out a strange sound. He tries to make eye contact, but nobody reciprocates. Bob has some mental challenges.
This week Bob crossed in front of me and sat down. “He’s late again.” I thought. Bob smiled at me, but I concentrated on being holy and not talking in church.
Throughout the pastor’s message, Bob cried out “Amen” in all the right places.
Bob loves God but God’s people (including me) don’t really love Bob. We ignore him because he is different, because he can’t talk or look just right.
I am ashamed.
There is a Bob or Betty in your church too. Are you ashamed?
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35, NIV)
Prayer – God thanks for reminding us that your verse does not say… Love the people that look just like you. No God, you would never say that. You say love one another. That means everyone, even Bob and Betty. Help us to love that way too. Amen
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