Welcoming Others

 

Feeling at Home

Have you ever felt “at home” in a place that wasn’t really your home? Maybe at church, a coffee shop, or a friend’s house? Feeling at home happens when you feel safe to be yourself, loved and accepted just as you are.

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Jesus Welcomed Everyone

Jesus knew the importance of making people feel at home. He welcomed people everywhere He went by listening, showing empathy, and letting them be honest about their lives. This kind of love and acceptance is called hospitality.

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Jesus’ Example of Hospitality

During His ministry, Jesus welcomed all kinds of people, even those who were very different from each other:

The twelve disciples came from different social classes and backgrounds. They could have disagreed often, but Jesus welcomed each one as they were.

Mary Magdalene had been freed from spiritual oppression. Despite her rough past, Jesus welcomed her into His inner circle.

Joanna was the wife of King Herod’s household manager. Even though Herod was an enemy of Jesus, Joanna was welcomed into His ministry.

 

Hospitality breaks down social barriers, builds unlikely friendships, and helps people see their God-given value. It teaches us to be curious instead of critical and turns strangers into neighbors.

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Practical Takeaways

Make people feel welcome wherever you go.

Listen, show empathy, and let others be honest with you.

Treat people as part of your family, even if they are different from you.

Think about a time someone showed you hospitality. How did it affect you?