It's easy to see how divided our world can be. People separate themselves into categories, labels, and sides. We draw lines that distinguish ourselves from others in subtle and bold ways. And then we defend those lines with all our strength.
So, let's reflect on something God desires for our world.
Listen again to the psalmist say, "Praise the Lord, all you nations! Worship him, all you people!"
Everyone is included in the call to worship.
This short psalm refuses to let us shrivel God down to fit inside our boundaries. We can't read it and assume God’s love is only for people who look like us, think like us, vote like us, worship like us, or agree with us. Instead, it widens the circle until we can’t see the edges anymore.
Recently, Pope Leo XIV released an apostolic letter titled "In the Unity of Faith" to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. He emphasized that the creed isn't just about rules or doctrine but about one God who draws near to all people. Now, in his letter, the pope omitted the filioque clause. Ask Google if you're not sure what that is. I'll say that he wasn't pretending doctrinal convictions don't exist. But symbolically, he was prioritizing what unites Christians worldwide over what divides them. It's was a small gesture that reflects the inclusive spirit of Psalm 117.
As followers of Jesus, we get to live into this vision. We get to let our lives reflect the God whose love pulls people together rather than tearing them apart. So today, let Psalm 117 stretch your heart a little wider. Pray for those who are different from you. Bless the people you struggle with. And remember that in God’s kingdom, “us” and “them” lose their power, and all we're left with is “all peoples” invited to praise.
Stay blessed...john | 
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