Read: Acts 10:1–33
The voice said to Peter again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” Acts 10:15
The story of Peter and Cornelius is a testament to the fact that God loves what God creates. Going back to Genesis, we remember that after God created, God looked at all that had been made and called it good. What therefore God has created and deemed good we must not call profane or unclean or repulsive.
The revelation to Peter in this passage was that Gentiles, just like the Roman Centurion Cornelius, were as beloved by God as the Jews. Gentiles had been viewed by Jews as dirty and unholy. Suddenly Peter had undeniable proof that God loved everyone . . . Therefore we should too. Barriers to love are a human construction, not a God-erected reality. For God shows no partiality—God loves us all and asks us to do the same.
Who do you view as unworthy of your love?
Lord, we live and participate in a world that spends a lot of time and effort demeaning people. We try to tell different groups of people they are less than we are. Gay and lesbian people, people of color, women, Muslims, indigenous peoples—the powerful often malign those who seem different. But You, O Lord, demonstrate love for all You have created. Please help me to do the same. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.