“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Psalm 84:11 ESV

Cornelius was a man from Caesarea, serving as part of the Roman regime. The Bible describes him as a God-fearing and generous man, along with his household. Though he seemed open to worshiping any god that was introduced to him, the title God-fearing points to his belief in a supreme power above everything.

The Roman army was always hated and feared by the Jewish people. Yet Cornelius stood out as a man who was kind, helpful, and good to both his own people and the Jewish community. He was one of the most respected Roman soldiers among those who were otherwise seen as oppressors.

In Acts 10, we read that Cornelius had a devoted time of prayer, and one day an angel appeared to him in a vision, calling him by name: “Cornelius.”

“And he stared at him in terror and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.’”

Acts 10:4 ESV

The angel gave Cornelius instructions to send for Peter. When Peter arrived, he shared the message of salvation with Cornelius and his household. Their search for the true God ended that day. The message of the cross and the love of Christ led them all to give their lives to Jesus, and they were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The great message revealed through Cornelius is that God does not show favoritism. When your ways are upright, God finds His way into your life.

Many people today have a deep search for God. They know there is a supreme power above them. Their hearts naturally desire to do good, help others, and live uprightly. Yet, even while searching, they never cease to do good for those around them.

God honors such hearts. The Bible says that He does not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. The greatest gift of all—salvation through Jesus Christ—was given to Cornelius and his household because of his sincere search for God and his generous heart.

Having Jesus Christ as your portion is the greatest gift heaven can release to you. Cornelius did not resist the message Peter preached. His heart immediately recognized that the emptiness inside could only be filled by Jesus. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were gathered—whether they had believed in Christ before or not.

The same God who sent an angel to guide Cornelius toward salvation will also meet you and your household. You may know someone—or perhaps you are the one—who walks uprightly and is God-fearing. Take courage: God will find His place in a heart that is humble and honorable.

Without God’s hand, no one can truly do good. Being good and doing good reflect the nature of God, but your life only finds true meaning when you allow Jesus into your heart. Christ completes your life and satisfies the longing inside.

To all who walk uprightly, the Word of God promises: “No good thing will He withhold.” You will receive every good portion from heaven, with Jesus Christ as the greatest treasure.

Keep praying. God will find His way into the hearts of upright people, and salvation will come to their household.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us through Cornelius that You do not show favoritism but look at the heart. Teach us to walk uprightly, to live generously, and to keep our hearts open to You. May our prayers and good works rise before You as a memorial. Bless our households with salvation, and let Your Spirit fall afresh on us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.