Added & Included Anyway

He knew Peter had a swearing problem that wouldn’t go away in 3 years—but He added and included him anyway.

He knew Thomas had a doubting problem that wouldn’t go away in 3 years—but He added and included him anyway.

He knew the Thunder Brothers (James and John) had ego problems that wouldn’t go away in 3 years—but He added and included them anyway.

He knew Judas had a greed problem and He knew Judas would betray him in 3 years—but He added and included him anyway.

He didn’t add or include perfect people.

He added and included people…

People, problems and all.

The people in His circle didn’t become perfect in a flash (or in weeks, months, years).

Of course, many of them did change over time.

That’s how God works. His grace changes everything.

His redrawing of the circle—to add and include—isn’t exclusive to those who have already started the process of change.

He is still adding and including sinners, strangers, doubters, and egomaniacs (people like you and me) today.

“He picks up the poor from out of the dirt, rescues those who’ve been thrown out with the trash… seats them among the honored guests, a place of honor among the brightest and best.” (Psalm 113.7, 8 MSG)