Many people are weary, discouraged, full of fear, anxious, tired, and beaten down. In our culture we see confusion, struggles, searching, and people longing for hope. We find comfort in connection, and yet people find themselves divided over all kinds of religious, social, and political issues.

Romans relates Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, where fighting and divisions were causing chaos. The people had a lot of ideological and theological differences, they fought over interpretation of Scripture, they even argued about what was appropriate to eat. Their opinions were becoming laws, rules, sacred practices. If a person’s beliefs didn’t align with another, they were pushed out, unwelcome. Paul appeals to them to welcome one another, accept one another, to recognize that they share a common faith in Jesus Christ, and that should cause harmony and unity in glorifying God.

God created and ordained the church to be a place of unity, a place where everyone is welcome, a place where love and grace abound. Christ followers, you are called to respectfully welcome everyone who crosses your path. You aren’t asked to accept and welcome their beliefs, but you are to accept them as God’s unique and special creation, a person who is loved by God, who matters to God and should matter to you. When you actively serve God by showing hospitality, you grow in love and grace!

Imagine there is a mat around you… an indicator of whether you are open for business or not (so to speak). Does your demeanor indicate open and receptive to others, or don’t bother me. When you are around others, do you look people in the eye, say hello, smile, or do you keep your head down and try not to engage?

A vast majority of people don’t go to church. Why would they if the church isn’t reaching out and welcoming them? Only by showing hospitality and love will we get an opportunity to share Jesus Christ! People desperately need to be valued, loved, welcomed. When people matter to you, you welcome them!

Consider who you can pull towards you by being welcoming and accepting. Ask God to nudge you, then do it! We have been entrusted with the good news of Jesus Christ! People need to know that they’re not alone, there’s a God who loves them and Jesus Christ is the ONE GREAT HOPE for their life and for the world!

Verses: (Ro 15:5-7) MEV) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us, for the glory of God. (He 13:2 CSB) Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.

Scriptures: Romans 15:5-7; Matthew 25:35; Luke 9:11; Hebrews 13:2; Revelation 7:9

Questions: At church do you actively engage with people you don’t know? Is your radar up for those who may be standing alone or seem disconnected? Do you show respect to those whose beliefs run counter to your own (both at church and in society)? How can you love and accept someone when you have fundamentally different beliefs and values? What steps will you take to be a more welcoming and accepting person both at church and in all the places God has placed you?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for welcoming me into the family of God! Thank you for accepting me as your child! Help me to extend hospitality to those whose views and values differ from my own and to see them as you see them. Give me the opportunity to share the hope that comes only in knowing Jesus! In His Name I pray, amen.