God of All

Read Romans 10:11-17

For the scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed. Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect: they all have the same Lord who generously gives his riches to all those who ask him for them. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:11-13 (TLB)

Billie L. Reynolds, from Oregon, lives in a facility for independent-living older adults. Religion here is represented by Catholics, Mormons, various Protestants, and a few agnostics. One day, when the Catholic group was celebrating Mass with a young priest, Billie met and talked with him briefly. And he enjoyed their visit.

Another day, while Billie was talking with a woman who is Mormon and who had suffered a serious illness, she told Billie how the Lord had been walking with her in her trouble.

When Billie was growing up, it was not common for people to talk about their church's theology or style of worship with people of other denominations. Perhaps they assumed that our church conducted services the right way and others were simply ignorant.

At this senior facility they have grown older and wiser. They encourage one another and know that the Lord's saving grace is for everyone. After all, some blessings that come with age are often overlooked; and the ability to respect others' beliefs and faith in our Lord is one of them. God is good indeed!

Prayer: O Lord, guide each of us in our daily relationships with others wherever we are. Encourage us to love others and respect their faith. If someone does not know your love and forgiveness, give us the wisdom and courage to share your grace lovingly with them, in Jesus' name. Amen.