Saved By A Hug

Jackie Robinson was the first African-American baseball player to break into the major leagues. It was a very difficult struggle for him.

But before his first game, Branch Rickey, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, had a frank conversation with him about what he would face. “You're going to take abuse that you never dreamed of,” he said. “But if you are willing to take the abuse, I'm willing to back you all the way.”

It was a difficult time of transition for Robinson. There was one game that was particularly painful for him as the crowd constantly taunted him. But in view of everyone, Pee Wee Reese walked over to him and hugged him.

Later Robinson admitted, “That may have saved my career. Pee Wee made me feel that I belonged.”

All around us are people who are trying to “belong to the team.” They are different by design – God’s design and they want to feel accepted in our churches. And no matter who they are or how they look, educated or illiterate, rich or poor, God's Word says that “we must love one another just as He commanded us” and welcome them to His team.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to live the love that Your Son lived and be accepting of others just as You are accepting of each of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us a commandment.