Our Daily Bread
Welcome To All!
A beautifying project on the main road of my town prompted the
demolition of a church built in the 1930s. Although the windows of the
empty church had been removed, the doors remained in place for several
days, even as bulldozers began knocking down walls. Each set of doors
around the church building held a message written in giant,
fluorescent-orange block letters: KEEP OUT!
Unfortunately, some churches whose doors are open convey that same
message to visitors whose appearance doesn’t measure up to their
standards. No fluorescent, giant-size letters needed. With a single
disapproving glance, some people communicate: “You’re Not Welcome Here!”
How people look on the outside, of course, is not an indicator of
what is in their hearts. God’s focus is on the inner life of people. He
looks far below the surface of someone’s appearance (1 Sam. 16:7) and
that’s what He desires for us to do as well. He also knows the hearts of
those who appear to be “righteous” but are “full of hypocrisy” on the
inside (Matt. 23:28).
God’s message of welcome, which we are to show to others, is clear.
He says to all who seek Him: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters”
(Isa. 55:1).
Thank You, Lord, that You welcome all into
Your family, and You have welcomed me. Show me
how to be as accepting of others as You are.
May I reveal Your heart of love.
Your family, and You have welcomed me. Show me
how to be as accepting of others as You are.
May I reveal Your heart of love.
No one will know what you mean when you say,
“God is love”—unless you show it.
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