Listen to today’s devo!

Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. (Acts 10:20)

The homeless man in the back of the sanctuary smelled very, very bad. He obviously had not bathed in days. He seemed humble, sitting in the back, trying not to call attention to himself.

But the believers in the congregation did pay attention to him. One brought him a glass of water. An elderly couple came and sat next to him. Another person discreetly handed him a gift card for a local sub sandwich shop.

The worship leader announced that the pulpit committee’s number one candidate would be preaching that morning. At this, the homeless man got up and took off his stained jacket. The usher handed him a suit coat and led him to the platform.

“My wife and I wanted to know if y’all lived up to the fine words we heard about this church during the interview process. The compassion you just showed to me has removed all doubt. Now, let us begin . . .”

Peter learned to let go of his prejudices against the gentiles. Even as a Spirit-filled believer, he found himself keeping this people group at arm’s distance. With this vision from the Lord, and the rebuke of his friend Paul, Peter eventually overcame his tendency to show favoritism.

May God give us the same grace to let go of our prejudices, regardless of whom they are focused upon.

Search your soul for prejudices you may hold—then release them!

Doug Schmidt’s devotionals were taken from the Wesleyan Publishing House curriculum archives.

© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.