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When we become Christians, we become part of the family of God. All families can be dysfunctional. How much more so when each individual comes from different lifestyles, experiences, families and cultures?
Unfortunately, it is all too easy for people to inadvertently upset one another. Sadly, I have both caused upset and been upset by others.
At these times we must make amends for the harm we have caused. Alternatively, if we have been hurt we speak to the person responsible and let them know how we are thinking and feeling with a view to restoring the relationship.
1 Corinthians 12:22-26 (NIV)
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
As Christian’s how do we do community? How do we create a sense of belonging?
Do we truly welcome the newcomer and take the time to talk to them and more importantly listen? Or do we talk to our friends as we usually do?
Do we invite them out for coffee or a meal? Providing a chance to fellowship and understand one another. Or do we walk away?
Do we open our homes and invite them to visit? Thereby showing hospitality. Or do we close our doors to newcomers.
Do we invite them to our Connect Group and let them know about other ones they might be interested in. Or do we leave them to sink or swim in their walk with God and navigating our church.
Do we let them know about our prayer groups, playgroups, men’s and women’s groups? Or do we withhold the information until we think they will “fit in”, creating a sense of exclusivity and rejection.
Do we encourage them to join our friendship group, creating a warm sense of belonging? Or do we shut them out?
The way we welcome people can either demonstrate the love of God or the indifference of the world.
Jesus says:
“This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you.
John 15:12 (AMP)
It’s all too easy to do what we have always done. Being satisfied with the norm and who we’ve always fellowshipped with. However, Jesus never promised us a comfortable life. In fact, He seems to delight in stretching us to do more than we think we are capable of. More brotherly love, more friends, more fulfilment and more intimacy with Him.
I hope you find yourself in church this weekend. And if you usually attend, step up and step out and welcome new people. Open yourself to new friendships and experiences. You won’t regret it.
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you’d like to leave a comment or subscribe, you can do so below. You can message me privately at admin@jesus4generations.com. Please share this post with anyone you think would benefit from reading it. God bless you and your family.
Sources:
1 Corinthians 12:22-26 (NIV)
John 15:12 (AMP)
Jesus 4 Generations 
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