The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Equal Opportunities

*Do you have a favorite friend? What makes that person your favorite?*When is it bad to show favoritism? In the first century AD, Jewish people looked down on non-Jews, known as Gentiles. They wanted nothing to do with people they considered unclean. Even Jewish Christians like Peter felt that way. The problem was that God wanted everyone to hear about his Son—including the Gentiles. And he wanted Peter and the other Jewish Christians to take the message to them. Peter had a very hard time obeying God’s command. It went against everything he’d been taught. But when he got a message that Cornelius, a devout Gentile man, was looking for him, Peter saw that God was doing something special. Peter swallowed his pride and his prejudice and went to see Cornelius. He told Cornelius and his friends and family about Jesus. Peter was stunned when God sent his Holy Spirit to enter the Gentiles. That meant the message of Christ wasn’t just for Jewish people. It was for everyone. Anyone could be saved, regardless of race. And that’s the way it has been ever since. God does not discriminate among his people. He loves everyone, and he expects those of us who call him Father to have the same attitude.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for loving people of all races. Please help us follow your example. Amen.Taken from Once a Day At the Table