This seems like an odd passage of scripture for us to think about in the context of everyday life. If you are reading this, chances are you do not make a habit of stealing from the poor, or outwardly administering cruel treatment to those who are in difficult circumstances. However, the heart that lies behind the prohibited actions described in this passage is a heart that we all struggle with on a daily basis. I would venture to assume that there isn’t a soul reading this that hasn’t or doesn’t struggle with being a respecter of persons. Many times, we accept or reject others based on what we can gain from the relationship. If someone doesn’t seem to have anything to offer, it is easy to try and ignore or dismiss the individual. We tell ourselves that they are” just so odd”, or strange, or a variety of other reasons we try to justify withholding our kindness and care. The Lord will hold us accountable for our actions. How could we refuse to accept someone who has been accepted by God through Christ? Can we justify holding a standard that doesn’t consider the blood of Christ as valuable enough or significant enough to establish acceptance and fellowship? May we learn to love others in light of the gospel, by which we, as unacceptable sinners have been made acceptable with God, through the work of Christ.