One of the first crisis which the followers of Jesus faced was whether to be inclusive or exclusive. People were expressing faith in Jesus who did not look like the apostolic generation, did not think like them, did not act like them. How were they to be included as members of the fellowship of faith? The Church decided to be inclusive, to discover that their differences were not as important as the commonalities — being children of God, made in God’s image and likeness. This decision flowed directly out of the word and example of Jesus. “This I command you: love one another.” The same situation repeats throughout the history of the Church. We must focus on the things that truly matter so all feel welcomed.
MAY152020
By Church Staff
