Emphasis Preaching Journal

George was a relatively new member of the church. I knew he was still recovering from a very painful divorce, but had known none of the details. For whatever reason, he thought it important for his new pastor to hear the story.

"As you know, I teach history at the university," he began. "My education has shaped me as a very open-minded and tolerant man. I encourage my students to open their minds to new ideas and even open their hearts to people who are different from them. I pride myself on being an understanding, tolerant person.