“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40
Extending a Christ-like welcome to others is what we as followers of Christ aim to do at Risen Lord. For us, that is expressed clearly in our mission statement: As followers of Christ, we share God’s love through words and actions.
Sometimes, our kindest and most generous of efforts fall flat. They aren’t always welcome.
Maybe a family member doesn’t respond to an invitation to worship with you.
Maybe a co-worker continues to berate you for no reason even after you have offered nothing but a friendly and cooperative spirit.
Maybe a friend challenges you on the value of your faith life or belittles your denominational ties as not being “biblical” enough or too formal.
It's hurtful to our spirit when people don’t welcome us. If we listen to Christ’s words, then we don’t need to absorb that hurt alone. Christ hurts with us. I know that doesn’t always make us feel better, but it is not up to us to make people think, believe or respond the way we think they ought.
Also, this isn’t an excuse to mirror the unwelcoming behavior or to end relationships (unless someone is verbally, emotionally, or physically abusive).
Just know you aren’t alone in the hurt. And remember that God doesn’t withhold the gift of grace and love to unwelcoming persons. The seeds of God’s love you share have been planted. Trust the Spirit to nurture the growth.
So let sharing your love be a gift. Let your invitations remain open. And welcome God’s activity in the midst of it all.