For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:11
We live in a society that is quick to judge and condemn others. Yet, God shows no partiality (Rom. 2:11). Peter said in Acts 10:34-35: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. He accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Merriam-Webster defines impartial as not partial or biased : treating or affecting all equally. The apostles were commanded to preach to the people. They were to testify that Jesus Christ is the one. God appointed him as judge of the living and the dead. Peter said, “All the prophets testify about him. They state that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Have our thoughts become so evil? Do we distinguish and judge others because we see them as less important? Do we see their sinfulness as so egregious that God can’t forgive?
God is just and fair. The Apostle Paul enlightens us that we have no excuse hypocritically judging and condemning others. He said that when we pass judgment on another person, we are actually condemning ourselves. We judge from a position of arrogance or self-righteousness. Yet, we habitually practice the very same things we denounce. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. Ouch!
We witness this happening every day. It occurs in the news, social media, the political arena, in families, and even in the church. Have we become so self-righteousness that we forget that God shows no favoritism. In Acts 10, Cornelius was praying. Suddenly, a man in shining clothes appeared to him. The man said that God had heard his prayers and remembered his gifts to the poor. The man instructed him to send for Simon Peter. So Cornelius obeyed and sent for him right away. Cornelius said to Peter, “Now we are all here in the presence of God. We are here to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us” (Acts 10:32).
Peter began to speak saying, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. He accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Peter shared that God sent a message to the people of Israel. It was the good news announcing that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. As Peter was speaking, the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit.
Cornelius was a centurion, a commander in the Italian Regiment of the Roman military. It was Cornelius’ household that God publicly opened the doors of the church to the Gentiles. He was a devote man who regularly prayed and gave to charity. God has prepared Peter’s heart to minister to his household (Acts 10:11-12). In verse 19-20, Peter heard the Spirit saying that three men were looking for him. It was against Jewish law for him to be associating with Gentiles. Yet, God had shown Peter a vision not to call any person common or unclean.
The Lord is preparing many of our hearts. We are being called to minister to people we often consider insignificant and lowly. Perhaps God is calling you to help the poor and the afflicted. You might also be called to support the drug addicted or someone living in a homosexual or transgender lifestyle. Are you willing to yield to the Spirit’s calling and say Yes to God?
Let’s not be so quick to judge that we forget that God is loving and kind. He wishes that none should perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). We serve and extraordinary God full of love and compassion for His creation.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Dr. Francine
Note: All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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