We are the living gospel...

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Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
~ Romans 15:7

Today I seem to be in a reflective mood.  Perhaps why it has taken me so long to make it to my laptop to share.  

One thing that has occurred to me as I write is that we are the living Gospel of Christ.  Think about it.  In today's world, where books seem to appear more in an electronic form, and we find ways to move at a much faster pace, the time we have to sit and to meditate upon scripture has all but vanished.

I have had several Bibles throughout my life, but one in particular, I cherish most.  It was given to our family after my grandmother died of cancer, and within that Bible, I have made notations, underlined sentences that have meant something to me at some particular time, comments made by preachers who have brought sermons, and simple thoughts.

While the book serves as a reminder of many things, for me, it is filled with milestones and memories.  

I am reminded that there are many people who do not own a Bible, been to church, or realize that sometimes they hear scripture and don't have a clue that what is being shared are words that have been inspired in the hearts of others.

For many people, we are the living Gospel, and the only witness of what that means.

Christianity is more than just words.  It is a way of life that should bring people together.  Paul writes to the Romans and reminds that we are to accept one another, just as Christ has accepted us.  It is not a conditional statement filled with a set of rules or criteria.  It is simple.

Just as we are to be the witness of that acceptance to and for one another.  It is meant to be easy, as Christ reminds, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

May we all learn to be accepting of one another, and serve as the living Gospel today and each day while we remain in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

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Dear Lord, please help me to be accepting of others as You have accepted me.  Amen.

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