When you think of your church, what comes to mind? Do you picture a friendly, generous welcoming of any newcomer? Do people watch for and greet any new person who enters the church? Or is there an attitude of “God bless us four and no more� May it never be so!
God, in His rich mercy and grace, invited us into His family—knowing who we were and what we had done. In His amazing love, He made a way for us to be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8). Therefore, we welcome visitors just as Christ welcomed us. We make no judgment as to who the visitors are, what they are wearing, where they came from, or whether we know them. We just invite them in. Because Jesus did the same for us.
A practical example of this? I know two teens who have made it their goal to welcome any new teens who come to church. If a new family has a teenager, they are some of the first people to greet them and introduce themselves. They even invite new teens to come and sit with them in the teen section. Their attitude and actions say, “You are seen, and you belong here—with us! We have room for you.â€
As people welcomed by Jesus, may we go forth welcoming all who come so they too might experience the great love and acceptance found in Him. There is indeed room at the cross for each and every one who comes in faith. • Deborah del Villar
• Read Romans 5:8. How did Jesus welcome us?
• What practical things can you do to help visitors feel welcomed at your church?
Therefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (CSB)
Read Verses:
Matthew 6:25-34
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