"Feeling at Home?"

 

“Feeling at Home?”

 

All of us have probably been guests in homes of family, friends and those hosting group events. In most cases we’ve felt welcome but at other times not so much as seen in words, body language or overall attitude which said, “I wish you weren’t here!” Showing hospitality is a biblical directive (“Practice hospitality.”—Romans 12:13; “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”—1 Peter 4:9, emphasis added). Paul also instructs us to “Accept one another…just as Christ accepted you….” (Romans 15:7) which I believe includes receiving our fellow believers into our homes as opportunities to do so come our way.

But how does this principle relate to our churches? We discussed this in a recent Men’s Bible Study session and shared church experiences of feeling welcome as well as the perception that it was a closed group in which newcomers had little part. Church analysts have concluded that many first-timers decide before a service begins if they’ll return based on the friendliness of those they’d encountered because they’re not seeking a “friendly” church (which many claim to be but only with those they already know) but one in which they can make friends and build relationships.

What makes you feel at home? In seeking to answer this question Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a song called “Feelin’ at Home in the Presence of Jesus”. Whether it’s in a family residence or house of God it’s the reality of Jesus’ presence that makes us feel welcome and valued. So I must answer uncomfortable questions: Would Jesus feel welcome in my home? Would He feel welcome in my church? In correcting His disciples for arguing among themselves as to who was the greatest of them Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my names welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37). Have we (I) welcomed Jesus by lovingly receiving those He puts in our (my) path?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan