Love welcomes people

"Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face because he was to be blamed, 12 for before, certain men came with James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision."                                        Galatians 2:11-13   NKJV 

We read in Acts 10:9-16, that God showed Peter in a vision, that there should be no segregation between the Jews and the Gentiles. It was ok to eat and fellowship with them, it would not make the Jews unclean. Let us remember, that Jesus spent a considerable time with people who were unacceptable to the hierarchy of the temple. Peter had to face opposition about this, as Jesus had done, but he went ahead and did this. 

However, when James visited, Peter changed his mind because of the fear of being ridiculed and opposed. For this act, Paul rebuked him face to face. All Christians are equal no matter what others may say or think; there should never be any racial distinctions (Galatians 3:28).

Peter was actually displaying double-standards. He was also showing prejudice by trying to save his reputation and look good to others. This is why Paul rebuked him; and sadly, this still goes on in the church today.

Some churches along with other establishments, are prone to have cliques - those small exclusive groups that give off the impression that other people are not welcome (Matthew 23:6). As we have seen, all Christians are equal but not all are welcome in some places. I know of one pastor who had a homeless ministry, one where people from off the streets may have had some type of addiction. He was asked by his regional superintendent if he would consider having separate services so they didn't have to be in the same service as the normal congregation. He told the regional superintendent that he would do this if he could show him in the bible, where Jesus would have done it. This ended the conversation.

Many people don't fit into the mould that people feel a Christian should be in; however, Jesus loves and accepts them. He expects us to do the same.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com          

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2