The Grace to Accept Others

Today I am deeply grateful for the Dial Hope Board of Directors and for all who give so generously of their time behind the scenes to make Dial Hope a reality.

John Wesley was a powerful preacher who had a huge influence on the churches of England and America. However, in his day, there was another preacher named George Whitfield who was even more popular than Wesley. He drew far larger crowds and baptized far more people into the faith. Whitfield and Wesley were actually very close friends until they had a falling out over Whitfield’s strict adherence to Calvinist doctrine.

One day after the falling out, a reporter asked Whitfield whether or not he expected to see John Wesley in heaven.

“No,” answered Whitfield.

“That’s what I thought you would say,” the reporter replied.

“But you don’t know what I mean,” said Whitfield. “Wesley will be so far up there near the great Throne, I will never see him.”

I have to admire that kind of humility. The kind of humility that allows us to love and respect someone even in spite of serious differences in theology – or politics. It is a reminder to me that when I get to heaven, I know there will be people there who I’m surprised to see. And, if I am honest, I know there will be people there who will surprised to see me!

Let us pray: Gracious God, we thank you that we do not have to be the judge of the world. We thank you that we don’t have to have all the answers or solve all the problems. Today, we simply ask for the grace to love and accept those who do not share our theology, politics, or worldview. In our love and acceptance may we experience your love and acceptance anew. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.