THE FATHER’S REACH

Spiritual formation is not forfeiting us but denying ourselves. One is healthy choice making and the other is cancellation. Proper self-love will always have the denial aspect as a counter-balance for the egocentric tendency in each heart. It is the denial of selfishness for the sake of participation with a neighbor.

The Good Samaritan parable is a challenge by Jesus to expand our love and acceptance of ourselves so we might expand our understanding of our neighbor and their differences and to include those who do not share the same race, religion, culture, status, class, or wealth. To love and accept all of what the Father loves and accepts requires great love and acceptance of us. No one can fall outside the true Christian’s sphere of concern. No one is considered unworthy or unacceptable of the gospel of the kingdom. No love is outside the reach of Father’s love. No one is beyond the compassion of Jesus.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Jesus