Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone. Acts 10:34-36 (MSG).
I have a t-shirt that says, “Jesus loves you, but I’m his favorite.” It always gets a good laugh when I wear it and it makes me happy. I know the irony is that there are no favorites when it comes to how the Divine looks at all created, but it’s fun to think that we are the favorite.
The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, completely apart from our own goodness or good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Even as this truth is known by believers, sometimes we think that there are conditions for others to find the same salvation. If we think that God can save someone who is a notorious sinner, but surely that person must first clean up their life a bit. If we say and believe this, then God’s free grace is denied.
It does not matter where a person is from, what they have believed in the past, or even the terrible sins they have committed. If a person is seeking and is ready to follow God, the door is always open and ready to be stepped through.
That is the beautiful part of grace. Right where you are, in this very moment. No matter your education, financial status, how much you weigh, or how much (or little) you have read the Bible, God’s grace is given.
The Divine does not play favorites…we are equal in the eyes of the One who created the universe.
The door is open.
You are welcomed.
You are forgiven.
You are loved.