Openness

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

Scripture Reference – Matthew 26:6

Happy New Year! Happy New You! In order for us to be successful in 2018, it is imperative that we remain open. I AM open and receptive to divine unlimited ideas.

Jesus Christ was open to all people and is the perfect manifestation of social fitness.  He demonstrated God’s universal love without discrimination.  Jesus Christ opened his heart to people that others rejected.  He associated with those who were labeled as “publicans and sinners.” He ate with them and was not afraid of his character being defamed.

When Jesus Christ was anointed with oil from Mary’s alabaster box, he was at “the house of Simon, the leper.” The fact that Simon had a house and was not exiled to a colony with other lepers, indicates that he must have been one of the people that Jesus Christ healed from leprosy.  Maybe Simon was the one leper out of the ten who came back to say, “Thank You!”  Perhaps Simon was the one who moved from healing to wholeness.  Nevertheless, the fact that Simon was labeled as a leper did not stop Jesus Christ from staying at his house.

A person’s sickness, pain or disease did not disqualify them from Jesus Christ’s company.  A woman’s reputation did not exclude her from him.  He embraced all of God’s children and saw them as they truly were perfect, whole and complete.  As we follow that pattern of Jesus Christ, we become more open to all people and see them as our brothers and sisters.

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.