Always Room
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:9
Insight
Imagine a big dinner table with lots of chairs and all kinds of delicious food. People laugh and catch up. As conversations break out in the background, the smell of the food makes you want to come and join. This is what true community should look like - a place where everyone is welcome, where there's always room for more, and where all people are celebrated and embraced, no matter their differences.
In a world that often separates and divides people, we are called to create spaces where love, understanding, and grace can grow. The Church should be a special place, a community where our shared faith in Christ brings us together with shared responsibilities - to make people feel like they belong, to support each other with love, and to create a safe space where anyone can hear about Jesus and think about what that means for their life.
Too often, we have a narrow view of community that is just about our wants and comforts, focused on our happiness and the people just like us. But Jesus doesn't separate people; He brings them together. His love includes everyone, and our love for Him should push us to love others the same way - to get past our differences, to walk alongside people, to value individuals over taking sides on issues, and to live out our faith in real, practical ways.
There has never been a more important time than now to start acting like we truly believe everyone is invited to experience life in Christ. Our ability to impact the world depends on who and what we care about, an expression of God's love through how we treat others. When we invest in people, our hearts get invested too, and we start to understand a little more of God's vast love for all kinds of people.
Living life with God means being engaged with the world, not isolated from it. It means getting out of our comfortable bubbles and becoming fascinated with people's differences, curious about their hearts, stories, and lives. Because when we do that, we become more fascinated with God Himself, and our lives reflect Jesus' life - welcoming everyone, giving ourselves away, and sacrificing for the good of others.
If we want the Church to thrive, we must learn to live for someone other than ourselves. We must make room at the table for every beloved child of God, celebrating our diversity as something beautifully woven together by God. That's how we reflect the heart of Christ, who loves each of us with an amazing, inclusive love.
Reflection
How does the diversity of the body of Christ reflect the beauty and creativity of God?
What does it look like practically to "make room at the table" for others in your life?
Further Practice
If you are interested in furthering today’s practice, practice radical hospitality - regularly invite people into your home from different backgrounds and make them feel truly welcome. Intentionally engage with someone different from you culturally, racially, or socioeconomically. Listen to their story and experiences with an open heart.
Prayer
God, we come before You with open hearts, seeking to embrace the diversity You've created. Help us to see the beauty in our differences and to recognize the unique gifts each person brings to Your family. Break down the walls that divide us, and teach us to build bigger tables where all are welcome and celebrated. May our lives reflect the radiant love of Christ, who extends His embrace to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Amen.