My God Does Not Discriminate.

Acts 10:34-35 (KJV) says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said , Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

The Message translation says it this way, “Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!  It makes no difference who you are or where you're from - if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open.”

I found it interesting that the Greek Lexicon states that “no respecter of persons” means that He does not discriminate and He doesn’t look at the wealthy and prosperity of someone and He doesn’t look at the external circumstances and He doesn’t look at the outward condition. 

When Samuel was looking to anoint a new king, the Lord sent him to the house of Jesse.  Jesse had 8 sons.  As Samuel passed by the first 7 sons, the Lord told him that neither of them were the chosen one.  In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord told him, “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”  I t finally came down to the last son, a shepherd boy named David.  Once David came in from the field and stood before Samuel, the Lord said, “Arise , anoint him: for this is he.” (1 Samuel 16:12)  David was the one whose ancestor went on to be the greater man in history…Jesus.

I see it too often among Christians.  And, I myself have been guilty of the same thing.  We have a tendency to look on the outward circumstances and appearances of people.  We look at their actions, faults and mistakes and form an opinion about whether or not they are good Christians or not.  As Children of God, we should not be associated with that sort of mentality.  If God looks past the faults and failures of others…and you…then should we strive to do the same?  Acts 10 states that God doesn’t discriminate.  If a person or group of people reverence and respect Him for who He is and they exercise or work to have righteousness in their hearts, the Lord accepts them. 

I am not saying that this means that those who have sinned or broken the law of the lands get a free pass.  They still have to face the consequences for their actions.  And believe me some have the memories haunt them day and night and they relive the shame and disgrace over and over in their minds.  But, sometimes we underestimate the power of God’s grace and mercy.  We are so quick to judge them by the outward circumstances and appearance of things that we forget that God doesn’t see them that way.  The Lord spoke to our church through tongues and interpretation no long ago that we need to stop looking at them like sinners and start seeing them as He does, Children of God. 

My prayer is that I can see people through HIS eyes.  I want the wisdom, understanding and discernment to see people like He sees them.  I want to make a difference in the lives around me.  ♥