Last night I finished reading (actually more like listening to) Ted Dekkers ‘Circle’ trilogy. I’m not going to play the part of book critic this morning, but one of the things that it made me think about was how I view people who are different than I am. Different skin. Different thoughts. Different beliefs. Different whatever. Not just “enemies” but anyone with whom I do not have a lot in common. After all, who are we to love? When have I shied away from someone because of my own judgement and missed an opportunity to reveal Christ to them and to myself?

This morning I read this quote –

“The impulse of love that leads us to the doorway of a friend is the voice of God within and we need not be afraid to follow it.”
–Agnes Sanford

Having the thoughts that I have this morning, the real question is to what doorways does God desire me to go if I am to grow His kingdom? What corners of the earth am I willing to go to? Who am I willing to show His love to? Only the doorways of friends?

Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

What am I doing to prepare myself for the words of Matthew 25: 37-38 – “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”