“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” – Luke 15:4
It is often a struggle to accept the people who are different than we are. It is difficult to accept the people in our life who have not treated us well. It is a challenge to connect with the people who believe differently than we do.
Jesus often encountered people who worked to exclude others in their community. Sometimes the religious leaders would exclude others based on the law. Other times people would be excluded because of their health. Still others would exclude people based on their religion or culture. Excluding others was a common practice in the time of Jesus and, sadly, it is a common practice today.
Jesus showed us that there is a better way to live. He taught that the heart of God was to care for all. Jesus encountered the teachers of the law, who were disturbed that he would be willing to associate with tax collectors and sinners. They could not believe that he would allow them to be in his presence. Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. He makes it clear that God cares for the whole flock and values even the one who is easily excluded.
The heart of our faith is love and care for all people. We are called to work to accept one another as the children of God. We know that God seeks after each of us. This is the foundation of our hope and joy. We should follow that example. Excluding others has been a practice throughout history. Today, we start a new normal and love our neighbors, no exception.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
