Wanting to be a part
looking for a home
“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?”
Matthew 5:46-47a ESV https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.46-47.esv
Geese are beginning to come to our lake this month. This week a flock of geese came and a white goose is among them. The white goose was not included with the other geese. They made sure the white goose was at a distance, alone and unwanted. I, quite frankly, do not know what kind of emotions a goose has, but I felt sorry for the white goose. It was so much wanting to be a part of the others and included.
Look to Find Jesus
Years ago a good friend told me that she and her husband visited a church four weeks before the first person even spoke to them. Four weeks y’all!!!
Can you imagine? Why would anyone want to go to a church that is unwelcoming and non-inclusive? It is similar to the white goose’s situation. People who are visiting a church want to find fellowship and belonging. They are looking to find Jesus in the church members.
A Church Home
Through the years, I have had the opportunity to visit many different churches. More often than not, I have felt isolated, alone, and unwanted. People seem content in their ‘group’ of friends and oblivious to the person, couple, or family visiting or that attends on occasion. Most people visiting a church are seeking a church home that includes the love of Christ.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31 ESV https://www.bible.com/59/mrk.12.30-31.esv
Show Love and Kindness
People in the world today seem so compelled to criticize and spew hatred, especially on social media. The church needs to offer a difference from the world. I realize with the Covid protocols things are different, but even with masks and social distancing, we can show concern, love, and kindness. If you are a Christian, you have the Fruit of the Spirit in your heart. Can you imagine how many people would flock to a church that made them feel the presence of the fruit Jesus Christ offers through us?
Some ideas I have to help others feel welcome are:
- Be prepared for a church by praying and believing God will open the door for you to help someone feel welcome and wanted in church.
- Be aware. Look around and notice the people. Make a point to speak and make people feel included.
- If they are a visitor, make contact the following week. Send a card, make a call or a message on FB.
I’m certain you have some ideas to make people feel welcome. Please drop those ideas in the comments for all to read.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
Zechariah 8:23 ESV https://www.bible.com/59/zec.8.23.esv
Follow Me to Church
I know I am taking this verse way out of context, but just imagine how awesome it would be if this were true of you and the people in your church. We would exude Christ’s love so much that 10 people would not only follow but hold on and make sure they were there to worship God. God is with us, we just need to show it to others.
https://youtu.be/DLBvCTV23qw Nothing Else by Cody Carnes
Paula Wallace
Additional readings by Paula
