By: Elizabeth Haarberg

All are Welcome

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

Everyone is invited into a relationship with Jesus. The day God created humans He linked Himself to us forever. Jesus came to Earth to solidify what God began.”

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
John 13:34 English Standard Version

Out of His love God created our very being and that love is the model of how we are to love one another.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 English Standard Version

As Jesus invited us, we are to welcome everyone into the love of Christ and to have relationship with Him.

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Romans 15:7 English Standard Version

I am not perfect at this command to love. I slip up at times and forget the initiative that God gave me. I remember that I can’t do this in my own strength; what I need more than anything is more of God’s love so I can love others. It’s the overflow of love I receive from God that allows me to interact with others with peace and patience.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 English Standard Version

Inviting others into a relationship with the Lord is only one piece of the puzzle. If I am not submitting to His will and walking in relationship myself, it doesn’t attract others to want to be close to Him. My walk is not only for myself but for others to see Jesus through me.

Spending time in God’s presence, worshiping, and praying are ways that I remain in relationship with God. With that relationship intact, the resulting overflow of God’s love through me invites others into their own relationship with God.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado