Our new series "Y'all Means All," its all about embracing the call to inclusive love, and taking our journey beyond mere tolerance to a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and loved!
Last Week
The challenge from last week was to ask ourselves: am I tolerant or am I inclusive? We looked at how profoundly different they really are. There is a major difference in passively accepting others and actively working to make sure everyone is embraced. It is a powerful reminder that our faith calls us to more than just getting along and enduring one another! we are called to build bridges, break down barriers, and create a community where all y'all are welcomed.
I Would Walk 500-Miles...
... and i would walk 500 more! This week we took the conversation deeper. Part Two of our journey is titled "I Would Walk 500-Mile." Yes it's a hat tip to the famous song, but also a reminder that the journey towards inclusion isn't always a short one! It can be a long, challenging, and exhausting journey, but one that is absolutely worth it!
ACTS of Inclusivity
This wee we journey through Acts 11 and Acts 13. After making the bold decision to step out of his comfort zone and go to where the Gentiles were, Peter faces intense criticism. But instead of backing down, he defends his act of inclusivity and retells his experience that we read about in Acts 10. Essentially, Peter gives a word-for-word replay of what happened just ONE chapter previous. WHY? So, why would Luke (the author of Acts), waste precious ink and paper just to retell the same story in back to back chapters? Well, the answer is simple - BECAUSE IT IS IMPOARTANT! This repetition shows us how truly monumental this shift was. It wasn't just about the rules Peter broke, it was about what God was doing! Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God was opening the door to all people, regardless of their background.
So What? Who Cares?
You might be asking yourself: "So what? Who cares? What does this mean for me?" Truthfully, many who attend Refuge already consider themselves inclusive! And that's beautiful! But, it's a journey that we must never take for granted. For a lot of folks its a 500-mile trek, full of obstacles, discomfort, moments of doubt and discouragement. However, much like the early Christians we must persevere! We are called to take the journey because the Good News of Jesus is for all people.
As you listen or watch this week, we encourage you to reflect on your life. Who is God calling you to walk towards? Who needs to know they are loved and valued? Are there people who have come and gone from your life or community that you could remind that you love them? On the other hand, are there folks who you've made feel excluded? Ask yourself: who can I reach out to? Who can I make sure feels included in the family of God?
Lets take this 500-mile journey together! One step at a time!