Good News for All

Mary Sumner (1828–1921), founder of the Mother’s Union, was so nervous about speaking at her first meeting that she asked her clergyman husband to step in. But his gentle encouragement and her passion to help mothers from all kinds of backgrounds helped her overcome her fears. The meetings helped mothers support each other while Mary taught them how to know and live well for Christ.

A prayer she wrote and prayed daily reflects her heart: “All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for You.” Mary’s prayer affirmed her belief that the good news of Jesus is for all people. In this she followed the Apostle Paul, who wrote, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). While staying true to Jesus, Paul accommodated himself to the various people he engaged with: Jews, God-fearers or unbelievers; the confident, broken or demoralised (see vv. 20–23). Compelled by Christ’s love, Paul gave generously of himself all for the sake of the gospel (v. 23).

Seeing individuals as Jesus sees them inspires us to reach all kinds of people: those we don’t usually associate with at work. The neighbour who’s still a stranger. The unknown friends we could make in the group we’ve just joined. No matter how different we might feel, we can share the blessing of Christ with them. Anne Le Tissier - Daily Bread