Who is the enemy in your world, the person or group of people who lives and acts contrary to your value system? In Jesus’ day, the enemy of the Jews and the Christians was the Romans. In the story of the Roman Centurion, Jesus finds pure faith in an unexpected place. Understanding the chain of command, the Roman Centurion believes that Jesus can heal his servant even from a distance just by speaking the word—demonstrating a level of faith that Jesus could not find anywhere else among His believers. In a moment, the excluded enemy becomes part of the family. How are you laying down enemy lines? Can you see beyond what you perceive to be true? God values your enemy. Can you?

Have you ever felt unworthy of someone’s love or attention? Our sense of self-worth can be dictated by our own past sin or by how we perceive that others see us. This was the case with Saul, the Pharisee who relentlessly murdered Christians in the name of upholding the Jewish law. Upon encountering the risen Christ, his life is radically changed. As God speaks a new identity into his life, Saul becomes Paul, the famed teacher of the gospel. His infamous reputation makes Christians doubt his worthiness, and Paul calls himself “the least worthy” among the apostles. God not only accepts the unworthy; He celebrates them. There is a new destiny for each one who feels unworthy if they choose to find their worth in Him. With that choice, pride diminishes, and gratitude takes over. So, if you are feeling unworthy today, don’t despair. God values the unworthy.

Have you ever feared a serious diagnosis? Sickness can come with physical as well as social implications, and that was the case with leprosy in the ancient world—it was not only a death sentence, leprosy also led to exclusion and isolation. Naaman was a very highly respected commander of the Syrian army who had earned the applause of the world with his success, but he was also a repulsive leper. Unlike the world, God seeks out those who are sick to show them that He is real, and He sees their suffering. Those suffering from infirmity and isolation are always on God’s A-list because, like Naaman, they have an opportunity to turn to the Great Physician in trust and have their lives completely changed. God invites the sick to His table to dine—and then He heals them. God values the sick. Do you?