May our choices inspire unity…not division.

(Listen to my song “Mercy Reigns” by clicking HERE)

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John 16:2-3

“They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.”

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Have you ever been excluded or thrown-out?

Jesus was…and he warned his followers that they would get the same treatment.

Some people throw out others based on their religious beliefs. Some are thrown out due to their behavior.

Jesus was thrown out because he preached against excluding anyone.

For him…the law was important but love always took precedence.

Notice how Jesus rejected no one…even people involved in morally questionable behavior.

He could both not condone their behavior and at the same time remain in relationship with them.

This is “both-and” thinking (or what is known as “third-way” thinking)…not the typical “either-or” approach.

Jesus reached out to the outcasts to show them who God is…the very face of Unconditional Love. Many of them were transformed. Their lives were changed for the better and many became followers of Jesus.

How can I show that same unconditional love to those I encounter?

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Listen to the song of the day “Mercy Reigns” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!