Astounding Gifts

Today's readings: Ps 16, 17; Job 9:1-15, 32-35; Acts 10:34-48; John 7:37-52

“The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.” (Acts 10:45)

This verse points out the difference between accepting someone superficially and truly including them, a distinction sometimes lost on even the most well-meaning individuals. While sitting at a table with Gentiles was a major step for the Jewish Christians, this sentence tells us they were not yet accepting the Gentiles as equals. Not until the Spirit poured out gifts upon the Gentiles did the Jews recognize they were deserving of the same baptism.

How long do we wait until we truly include new people in our community, church or life? We almost always let them in the door, and can see them as additional help for the bake sales and nursery duty, but when do we stop thinking of them as the “new” people? Do we wait until they somehow earn our approval, like the apostles did, or do we start treating them as equal members of the body of Christ ASAP? Each person brings their own astounding gifts, so it is to our benefit to truly integrate them as lovingly and efficiently as possible. Beyond that, it is simply the Christian thing to do.

On the other hand, sometimes we withhold our own gifts until we are confident a community has fully embraced us. While it’s natural to be cautious when entering a new group, being too reserved slows down the process of acceptance and inclusion. We should work to be aware of our own gifts, because life in a Christian community is a two- (and twenty- and two hundred-) way street. We are to use our gifts to support a community as much as the community is to support us.

We all have gifts to offer. Sometimes we don’t even know what they are until we are called upon to try something new. As part of a community, we should always be eager to offer and accept each other’s gifts.

Comfort: As Christians we are truly accepted and truly accepting.

Challenge: Look for opportunities to share your gifts. Don’t be shy.

Prayer: God of truth, thank you for revealing the gifts of your people.

Evening readings: Ps 22

Tomorrow's readings: Ps 20, 21; Job 10:1-9, 16-22; Acts 11:1-18; John 8:12-20