What does it mean that God is no respecter or persons?

I used to be so confused when people would proudly declare that, “God is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34)

It’s not wording that we currently use, and I honestly didn’t understand what it meant!

But at some point, it clicked!

This phrase means God doesn’t favor certain groups of people over others – be that social status, race, nationality, etc. ⁣

And I LOVE the context in which Peter says this! ⁣

He’s just had a confusing vision, been summoned by two random men, and brought before Cornelius, a Gentile. ⁣

And all of a sudden, Peter realizes:

“Wait, I think that I can preach to this man, even though he isn’t Jewish. This is a righteous man, and that’s all that matters.”⁣

This was a HUGE paradigm shift for Peter with regard to the current religious culture.

For us, that realization shouldn’t be as jarring.

In fact, I’m sure most of us feel very comfortable with the idea of the gospel being for everyone!⁣

But for a moment, consider your current ward family. ⁣

Every socioeconomic class, every race, every gender.

God loves us literally each the same. ⁣

He loves the inactive lady as much as he loves a man with an important calling. ⁣

It’s a hard question to REALLY ask ourselves, because a lot of us would automatically deflect with a resounding “Of COURSE not!”…⁣

…But have we written people off from really being a part of the gospel? A member of our ward? Our friend?⁣

Do we realize God loves them AS MUCH as He loves you? ⁣

He wants them to return home AS MUCH as He wants you to?⁣

He wants other people to love and bless them AS MUCH as he wants people to love and bless you?⁣

“One of the precious things I love about the temple is that among those who attend, there are no distinctions of wealth, rank, or position of any kind.” —Quentin L. Cook

Maybe we can try asking our Heavenly Father how to be just a little more inclusive.

How we can help the marginalized feel loved.

How we can listen and just let them be on their own journeys instead of constantly adding our judgment.

Our Savior gave us the example of hanging out with the marginalized, outcasts, and those who needed the most help.

He was no respecter of persons, and with His grace, we can learn to be just as lovingly inclusive as He is!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black