Emphasis Preaching Journal

This passage reminds us that love is at the heart of the Christian message. But too often we are tempted to say: "Okay, Jesus, I'll love people. But let me pick who those people will be." We are more restrictive in sharing our love than God is.

For instance, think of mothers after they have just given birth. They don't walk through the maternity ward and pick and choose which baby they will take home with them. If a mother's baby comes out sort of squashed and funny-looking, the mother still loves it. She does not wander around to see if someone wants to trade.