Feeling Like We Belong
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7)
The apostle Paul encourages the Christians at Rome to think of others instead of themselves. As He writes in Romans 15:2 "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification."
When you walk into your church building for worship, do you have those who will greet you, visit with you, ask how things are going?
Do they ask you how your week went? Do they take an interest in your welfare, both physically or spiritually?
If you can say yes to all of these questions, I would say that you would have a strong feeling of belonging to a caring Christian fellowship.
What happens in a lot of churches, is that certain members (and leadership included) talk and visit with only those people that are important to them. Those people that make them feel important, and have something in common with. In some of the larger churches, it feels like you are attending a concert, or a show, and there is no felt need, to get to know anyone, and establish a long term relationship.
I believe the answer is found with the involvement of Christian leadership.
We are to make sure that all the people feel welcomed when they come in the door of the church building. The pastor, as well as the elders, and church staff, are to make it a priority that an effort be made, to welcome new people, and that time is spent connecting with all the members of the church.
As Paul says to the Christians at Rome, he says to us: "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7)
Has Jesus ever excluded you? No, He died for the world, which includes you and I. In the verse John 3:16, instead of the word "World" you can put your name there. And in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
And when we welcome others to ourselves, we are actually welcoming them to our Lord Jesus Christ. And it's for God's glory, not our own.
Two questions in closing: Do you feel like you belong in the body of Christ? Do you make an effort to make others feel welcome in the Christian fellowship?
This is a huge step in helping your church family have the unity, and stability the Lord wants us to have! GP
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