Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me.
[Early Writings pp 271] All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.”
Therefore, in our interaction with our fellowmen, let us see in every person we meet, the potential to become a son or daughter of God, and let’s be very careful not to write off anyone, based on prejudice or bias, for salvation to the gutter-most is an equal opportunity perspective that hopes against hope, and allows Jesus to save as many as He will.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that would remind us of this perspective, and may God grant us the grace to live it out, as we’ll come into contact with persons.
John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!