Cheryl and I recently had dinner with a good friend. She told us that her grandson had moved to another state, and that he and his fiancée were going to get married. He had visited a church near his new home shortly after he moved there, but after attending several worship services, no one ever talked to him. The pastor did not contact or call him. He said he didn’t feel welcome. He decided to give the church another try so that they might possibly get married there. He met with the pastor, who reluctantly agreed to let them get married in the church. However, as they were making plans, every time they asked if they could do something, he said no. Our friend said it was a very difficult time.

I don’t know all the details or circumstances, but hearing that story made me sad. What could have been an opportunity to show the love of Christ and open a door for people to be welcomed into a community of faith was instead a rejection and slamming of the door.

How often do we do that in our lives? When someone visits your worship service, do you make that person feel welcome or do your actions (or lack thereof) make that person not want to return. Is that what Jesus asks us to do?

You and I have been welcomed into the family of God. We have heard that God loved us enough to do whatever it took to make sure that we could have forgiveness for our sins and the certainty of eternal life. We have seen the love and grace and mercy of God in the face of Jesus. It is something we should never keep to ourselves.

Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Are you opening doors for people to see Jesus or slamming them shut?

Lord, you have led me to faith and assured me of forgiveness. Help me to live today and every day in a way that helps others see you and your love. Amen.