The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Welcome You Didn’t Earn
“Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” — Acts 10:34–35
Introduction
Today, February 4, many Christians remember Cornelius the Centurion. In the book of Acts, Cornelius was a Roman military officer—a man who, by the religious standards of the time, was considered an outsider to the faith of Israel. He was a Gentile, separated by culture, politics, and ritual law. Yet, God gave the Apostle Peter a radical vision that shattered those barriers, leading him to Cornelius’s home. The passage above marks the precise moment Peter realized that the Gospel—the good news of Jesus—was not reserved for a select few, but was an open invitation to the entire world. It is the moment the door was flung wide open for everyone, including us.
Reflection
Becoming a Christian—often called conversion—is sometimes misunderstood as a grueling self-improvement project. We might think we need to fix all our bad habits, learn a new vocabulary, or achieve a certain level of moral perfection before God will pay attention to us. But the story of Cornelius tells a different story. It tells us that God is the one who initiates the relationship. He is not waiting for us to become perfect; He is waiting for us to turn toward Him.
Think of the first day at a new job in a massive, busy corporate office. You are holding your plastic tray in the company cafeteria, looking out at a sea of tables. Everyone seems to have their group; everyone seems to know the inside jokes and the unwritten rules. You feel entirely visible yet completely invisible, paralyzed by the fear of sitting in the wrong spot or being rejected. You are the outsider.
Now imagine that the CEO—someone you assumed was unapproachable—stands up, waves you over, and pulls out the chair next to them. "Sit here," they say. "There is room for you."
In that moment, your status changes. You didn't earn the seat by knowing the company history or by being the most productive worker yet. You simply accepted the invitation. You sat down.
This is the heart of conversion. It is not about climbing a ladder to reach God; it is about accepting that God has already come down to sit with us. In the verse, when Peter says God accepts those who "fear him," he doesn't mean being afraid of God. He means having a sense of awe and respect—recognizing who God is and who we are. Conversion is simply that "turning." It is the moment we stop trying to eat lunch alone, hiding our struggles, and instead trust the One who made us. We bring our "right actions"—our tentative steps toward goodness—not as payment, but as a response to the welcome we have already received.
Cornelius’s story reminds us that belonging comes before behavior modification. We are welcomed in, and it is that very welcome that begins to change us from the inside out.
Application
For the Seeker: If you have felt that God is distant or that you are too "messy" for faith, try a simple experiment today. You don't need a church building to start. Find a quiet moment and speak honestly to God. You might say, "I want to know if I am welcome. If you are there, please show me." Read Acts 10 to see how God moved mountains to reach one searching man.
For the Believer: Peter had to overcome his own deep-seated prejudices to welcome Cornelius. Ask yourself today: Who have I decided is "outside" of God’s reach? Is there a coworker, a neighbor, or a family member you have written off? Challenge yourself to extend a small gesture of welcome or kindness to them today, reflecting the impartiality of God.
For Everyone: "Doing what is right" often starts with simple integrity. Today, choose one small action that aligns with your conscience—telling the truth when it’s hard, helping someone when no one is watching, or offering forgiveness—and offer that action to God as a prayer.
Conclusion
The story of Cornelius proves that no one is disqualified from God’s love based on their background, their past, or their social standing. Conversion is the relief of realizing you don't have to be perfect to be loved; you just have to be willing to turn toward the light. The invitation is impartial, the door is open, and the seat is waiting for you.
Prayer
Gracious and impartial God, thank You that Your love knows no boundaries and plays no favorites. Thank You for the story of Cornelius, which reminds us that You are always the first to reach out, crossing every divide to find us. For those of us who feel like outsiders, give us the courage to trust Your welcome and take our place at Your table. For those of us who have been with You a long time, soften our hearts to see others as You see them—beloved and invited. Help us to fear You with holy awe and to do what is right, not to earn Your love, but because we have already been loved. Amen.
