The Gospels couldn’t be more clear that Jesus loves, well, everyone. Young and old. Men and women. Unmarried and married. Poor and rich. Jew and Gentile. Rebel and political insider.  If Jesus loved everyone, that’s fine. We’re okay with that. What messes us up? Realizing Jesus calls us to do the same.

I happen to live in Portland, Oregon. A third of my neighbors are registered Democrats, a third Republicans, and a third Independents. They speak 104 languages and hail from scores of countries. They are Catholic, Protestant, Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Latin Pentecostal, Asian Presbyterian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Shinto, Animist, Agnostic, and Atheist.

They are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning. They are super rich, upper middle class, middle class, blue-collar middle class, the struggling poor, and homeless. They each have a different background.  But we are finding – with great excitement – ways to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with all of them.

Years ago two good friends of mine told me, “Luis, we want our children to be able to grow up and know, in their heart of hearts, that they love everyone. Just like Jesus.” What a great decision.                  

This is Luis Palau.