LABELS AND CIRCLES

 In Romans 15, the Apostle Paul mentions quite a number of different groups:

• Jews and Gentiles
• weak and strong
• believers and unbelievers
• rich and poor

A U.S. 21st century list would have parallels:

• whites and blacks
• republicans and democrats
• citizens and illegal immigrants
• liberals and conservatives

But I think Paul's message would be very similar if he were writing today.  Here's some of what he said in the 1st century:

[v.2] "Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."

[v.7]  "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you..."

[vs.5-6]  "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul demands inclusiveness!  He clearly wants us to draw our circles bigger to include those who may not be like us!  

He takes a lengthy paragraph to commend the people from Macedonia and Achaia for receiving a generous financial offering to be given to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem [v.26].  They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them.  For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.  [v.27]  Keep in mind that these two groups don't actually know each other!  

Then, as he ends this chapter, the apostle speaks of his burning desire to travel to Spain - visiting Rome along the way.  He says:  

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.  [v.20]

He was illustrating his point of inclusiveness by speaking of his dream of going to Spain - where he knew no one!  

"Birds of a feather flock together!" 

We tend to associate with our friends and family and leave others out of the equation.  Have you noticed when we have family reunions, each branch sits and eats with their own branch - rather than integrate?  This drives me nuts!  

I want to be more integrated - but it's not natural for me to do so.  Maybe you feel the same?  

But Paul plays on our spiritual passions.  If you want to extend peace in the land...

If you want others to come to know and love your Lord...

If you want to see a spirit of unity increase...

DRAW YOUR CIRCLE BIGGER!   

Lord,

I do want these three things:

• to extend peace in the land.
• others to come to know and love You.
• to see a spirit of unity increase.

So, help me to be more inclusive!  Help me to draw my circle bigger!  Help me to be less judgmental!

For the Kingdom's sake.  Amen.