My family moved back home to Tennessee a few months ago where we met Mary and Wes. My husband was asked to fill in as the preacher at their church, and we hit the Mary and Wes hospitality radar. They immediately welcomed us into their home, their world, and their prayer lives. The first week we met, a group text was formed, funny gifs were exchanged, then dinner at their house. After church one Sunday, they took us to lunch, and we went home happy for after-church naps. When we woke up, we had a text from them asking if we had dinner plans that night. We had never been showered with so much hospitality, so much welcoming.
Mary and Wes are legitimately amazing examples of the love of Jesus. Wes is the worship leader at our church, and when he talks about Jesus, he cries. Mary is a nurse, and when she heard that my oldest daughter had a cold, a package showed up on our porch to cheer my daughter up. Guys, we’d known them for like three weeks, and yet they showed us the love of Jesus in such powerful, beautiful, proactive ways. It is undeniably impactful to experience the hospitality of Jesus through the people who love like Him.
Today’s reading points us toward our call to love others. Jesus reminds His followers that the whole law is summed up by loving God and loving others (Mark 12:29–31, Luke 10:27). These scriptures simultaneously spur us on to love people sacrificially while also providing the comfort that Jesus is the One who did and does and will do the heavy lifting of loving others through us.
I don’t consider hospitality to be a natural gift of mine, but being loved by people like Mary and Wes is a master class in loving well. It makes me want to love them back. And it’s the same with Jesus—we love because He so loved! Because He showed us mercy, we are able to be merciful. Because He welcomed us into His family, we can welcome others. Mary and Wes aren’t sinless superheroes. Neither am I. Neither are you. But Jesus’s love equips us. Because He shouldered the burden of a broken world, defeating what we couldn’t and accomplishing what we didn’t, we have seen true love. In Jesus, we know what love looks like. In Jesus, we know what love feels like. Through Jesus, we can share what we have with others.
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126 thoughts on "Making Room for Your Neighbor"
Oh God! Your love is unmatched. So grateful for your love and mercy
The Romans reading was talking about a teacher who tried to justify himself. I think in today’s world it is so easy to get hung up on people who are not loving. But that is why loving our neighbors is or can be so sacrificial. It is dying to our flesh. Sometimes greed can get in the way as well. That’s why it’s so important not hang onto early gadgets. Ioverall we have to learn to not be judgemental but condemning is more of the word.
I needed to hear this. I sometimes get caught up with my house is messy, I’m busy with the kids and I will do it another day BUT….
At church I keep hearing God telling me it’s time to serve others, I will provide the time, just be willing. I think showing God’s love to others can be done in this way but also by hospitality this season, time to get the family together for some Christmas wreath making!
This is the perfect season to invite your neighbors over for dessert, coffee, or a full blown meal! It is God who is loving our neighbors thru our hospitality! Let the worries and fear go…God’s got this!
The part that stood out to me was we must ACTUALLY CARRY the burdens of others. Take them on as our own. And when we do. We fulfill the law of Christ. Which is what? Love God with all…. And love our neighbors as ourselves! This is proving to be such a great dig! Lord, help me make room!
This!!! We can literally take these burdens to the throne room!!
So good
Hello She’s, I had issues with the app so I am a couple of days behind on reading. I think about this verse often and praying to God to show me what more I can be doing for my neighbors in need. Praying over them. Helping them where we can.
Here is where I struggle. I remember a woman here in Colorado was helping a homeless person out and he ended up killing her. I’m so cautious of certain situations. But I a trying to be better about people I meet in the grocery, on a walk, etc.
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So Jesus was tested by a lawyer (ESV translation), that really stood out to me, besides the relentless tests from the religious ones. And the next thing the lawyer did, …but he, DESIRING to justify himself, said to Jesus, who is my neighbor? (Luke 10:29). Here we notice his desire is not to learn truth. Here we see that he comes to God to justify his flesh. The flesh will always try to find a loop hole to excuse themselves from the commandment of love. The flesh comes to the Word (Jesus), asking all these questions, not to build on faith, but to cop out. My ESV study bible notes this: His question reveals the lawyers’s insincerity, his improper question, because the he was trying to exclude responsibility for others by making some people “non-neighbors”, a more appropriate question would be “How can I be a loving neighbor?”. I really love the story of the loving Samaritan. And yesterday a thought popped up. When I was living in an urban setting, I remembered how hard it was to have connection with a neighbor, whose door was always shut. And in a rural/ suburban settings, it is easier to meet neighbors. But the scriptures say, neighbors are those in our realm of connection and within close proximity.
Loved your observation, Tina. I was reminded of a quote in reference to the story of the Good Samaritan, “The only thing they had in common was that they were journeying on the same road.” We are all on a journey, and there are many others with us at different times in different places. Just like Jesus – we are to love whoever that may be.
Thought provoking…the same road/journey
I have been reading Shes for years now, but rarely leave a comment. I am from Northern California and get to join in the devotions later in the day than most Shes. I so love this community and especially this Study/Reading for the next two weeks. It has opened my heart anew to truly what is so important to Jesus — making room. The past month has been so tough because a dear loved one went home to be with the Lord so suddenly. It has been tough and yet so sweet, knowing that he is now with the most Amazing Friend and Neighbor one could ever think of. The One who saved him, loved him, nurtured him, cared for him in this earthly life and now in Heaven sharing a meal with him. Looking forward to the Blessed day as well.
Praying for you dear friend. May you find the strength in the Lord.
Thank you, Mercy. I am so grateful.
Prayers for you during this season of loss.
Thank you, Kelly. Your are prayers are greatly appreciated.
So sorry for your loss,I recently
experienced the same type of loss,so sudden. Truly the comfort is in knowing that both of them are wrapped in His arms and now thanks to you I can invision another
image;my friend sharing a meal with Him! Praying for you!!!
Hello Shes
Some of us are introverts. Some of us are extroverts.
Some actions & gestures & interactions come easier for some & not others. Perhaps grant one another grace. Sometimes it’s the small & invisible & maybe anonymous things that carry the greatest significance. We may lack the largesse of the Samaritan. But we may have the two copper coins like the widow.
Whatever we do, do for love.
Do for Love – Amen! ❤️
“Love does no harm to its neighbor.” Rom 13:10
The message cannot get much clearer. No harm includes no judging, criticizing, harboring resentment…guilty, guilty, guilty. Lord, help me to see my thoughts and actions in a new light–one of love.
Great point.
So good.
Lord, show me how I can love on someone today. Help to love, even when it’s hard.
This spoke to me to be better about loving others! All of your comments challenged me to be better. My husband is that guy who gets to know everyone and they tell him their life story. My excuse has always been I don’t want to be too intrusive. Respecting their privacy. God let me know I need to quit using yhst excuse.
Praying for all of you! Help us make room!
For the first time since living in our current home, we have great neighbors. They have been so kind to me since my husband passed. They would do anything for me. Interestingly, they are not believers. Please pray that I can be a light to them they know I am and that Bart was a Christian. They had no doubt after his memorial service. Join me in prayer, won’t you?
Yes, Mia.
Joining you in prayer. Not because of Christianity writ large. But because whatever good comes your way, through however & by whoever, God is at work!
Continue to carry the Light!
Praying for you and the salvation of your neighbors ❤️
Lord, you know who I struggle to love. You have given me the knowledge that love is a choice. Give me the strength to show love to this person that brings nothing but hate and strife. Allow me to demonstrate Your love through my words and actions. Amen.
You just spoke directly to me Tina. Ouch. Sometimes I think in this crazy age the most important thing we can give people is our undivided attention.
I haven’t been on here in MONTHS and it feels SO GOOD to be back! Last I had told all of you we had decided to take a sabbath year from our homeschool co op. It’s been such a neat time. My husband was home for 2 months during the union strike from Boeing (if anyone saw in the news) and we soaked up that time like the gift it was! He is back to work and me and the kids are figuring out our “new normal” and really loving our time together.
We bought our 6 acre property almost 5 years ago (wow!) and before we moved in God impressed on my heart so vividly that we were to get to know our neighbors. Our property line borders a housing development, and there are at least 13 houses that are our immediate neighbors. With God’s help we now know almost all of them, some have become good friends, even! We can’t be working outside (it’s a true fixer upper property) without being flagged down to chat, gifts being shared, and encouragement for both parties. It’s been such a neat testimony of God’s hand in our lives. It’s been such a gift to practice this concept in a daily way.
Love you, She’s. So good to be back “with” you!
I love that, Molly!
Thanks for sharing! ❤️
Nice to see and hear this wonderful story Molly. Bless you and your family.
So glad to see you again, Molly R!!! ❤☺❤
Yea, glad to see you
The devotion by a tear to my eye this morning. As an introvert, hospitality is often coming out of my comfort zone a little bit, but I’m always glad that I touch base with someone after doing it. Really glad we’re doing this devotional. Wish it was going to be longer, but I realize Advent is coming fast:-)
Todays response questions from the book are:
What does scripture say about making room for your neighbor?
My answer: Love your people as yourself, show mercy to others, you must follow the commandments, and Burdens must not be carried alone.
Why does scripture urge us to welcome our neighbors?
My answer: it’s part of the Christian law
Think of a specific neighbor in your life. How will you make room for that person?
My answer: I will show empathy as needed
I would consider myself quite welcoming and hospitable but Wes and Mary may have been too much for me…ha, ha. But, this stood out to me “It is undeniably impactful to experience the hospitality of Jesus through the people who love like Him.” It’s so true. When we welcome others in whatever way we can, that leaves an impact and it is definitely my desire to do that and my prayer to reflect the hospitality of Jesus in my life.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27 is one of my favorite verses.
A few years ago this phrase came to mind and I have tried to let it be something that leads me “We are all better, when we love one another well.”
Heavenly Father, let others undeniably see and experience you, because Jesus is in my life. Let these things be so in my life. Amen
What a blessing to see SO many new names in the comments yesterday. Welcome to you all.
Good Morning Wendy
“We are all better, when we love one another well.”
Yes!
Praying it forward!
Putting our best selves out there!
But, like you, a little creeped out by Mary & Wes! There is such a thing as overdoing it.
“Whelm”. Not over-Whelm!
I’m really glad someone else said what I was thinking about Scarlet’s neighbors!:):) God made us all individuals with different needs for interaction with others, obviously:):)
Amen to your prayer, Wendy! ❤
Oh…and continued prayers for me to feel better. Lots of teachers are sick. Thankfully I slept over 7 hours!
Hospitality is not a gift of mine either. As I’ve been mentioning, my sister from Florida is coming home THIS WEEK!! Nah…I’m not excited (haha). I offered her my room which is also the family storage room (another haha). Needless to say, I’ve been making room, setting things aside to make her comfortable. Was evening willing to share closet space. Its only for a week and my new room was going to be the family room couch! AND that is OK, because my sister will be here! God is good! Last night she texted me and I could almost hear her excitement through her text! Our little sister booked her a room at the nicest hotel here in town!! My sister DESERVES it!! I’m so excited for her, plus it will consist of all of us sisters coming at least for one night to hang out. OK, back to hospitality…though I am not very hospitable, but was willing because it was my sister, I AM believing God made a way for her to be even MORE blessed as she mentioned she really needs to rest! Her name is Patty. She flies out Friday. Please pray for her safety.
One of my favorite parts in Jesus’ teachings is that we rarely, if ever, hear about the response from the other person. In this case, we know what the Samaritan does, but we don’t hear the response from the man he helped. In a world that talks a lot about what is “fair” or what is “deserved,” I love that Jesus continually says “It’s not about what you get in return, it’s about your own actions and the spirit from which those actions are birthed.”
Abby–Thank you for providing such an important insight to the Good Samaritan example. Again and again, Jesus teaches this truth by word and example. So often, I get caught up in the act of doing good and its reflection on me…rather than God.
Thank you for articulating that, Abby Hope! It was helpful for me to read that piece broken out so specifically – we so often want that validation from people, but what we NEED is to love as Christ has loved us and from that will flow true belonging in Christ.
Yes, Abby
“It’s not about what you get in return, it’s about your own actions and the spirit from which those actions are birthed.”
Yep! When “compelled”, I can begrudge. When “voluntary”, I may deceive myself.
GM She’s!
Oh how we are all different in our personalities! I am an introvert extrovert. Yes a juxtaposition! I am super friendly, always have been, except when I’m not, hahaha. I can go to the pool one day and talk the whole time…but most often I put in my earplugs and act like I can’t hear anyone! Same at the gym. I like those earbuds to make me feel like I don’t have to interact, I even wear them grocery shopping, at the doctor and at a massage. Luckily I take them out when I go serve the homeless and jail ladies!! (that would NOT work!) I’m saying, why am I so choosy in my love? When neighbors side on the “wrong” side, or people at church annoy me- I tend to shut off. I need to do better. I need to quit picking and choosing who I want to share “my friendly, loving self” with!
Rhonda…our sweet Rhonda!!! I’m realizing that there are times (very few) when I can be introverted. I am VERY much extroverted!! Just ask my kiddos! But I hear you when you go places, you don’t want to talk to anyone, that is me at times as well.
Aww i love that Rhonda. I am an introvert, and an attempting extrovert (based on the mission lol). I am learning, and working hard on self development every day, renewing of the mind, past these limited “labels”, cuz after all, God said we can do all things through Him.
Recently learned about “ambivert” – a cross breed! Basically an extrovert socially who becomes an introvert to recharge her batteries – me!
Full confession- because we work in the hospitality industry and moved so many times through the years it’s been an easy excuse to not make any room or any effort to know my neighbors.
All kinds of excuses go through my mind…
“I’m too busy. We get home late, plus we work weekends. We don’t have kids, what can we possibly have in common? We’ll just move again anyway”.
Welcoming stranger-neighbors at the hotel, easy, but they go back home, and rarely, if ever, do we know if we’ve made any sort of impact in their life as we share hospitality, after all it’s our j.o.b.
Today while reading, the physical aspect of love strikes me – love requires taking action, making effort, energy. We are commanded to love with all our heart, soul, mind and STRENGTH. (Mark 12:30). The first 3 – emotional, spiritual and mental – are more natural for me (especially thinking about it, I’m a champion over-thinker! ;) – but actually physically following through and taking action is my area to grow.
In this current move to TN, I took Jesus’s words to heart and decided to make intentional effort, to proactively “go first” like the Samaritan.
I made an effort to walk next door and introduce myself to our literal neighbors. Going first made me nervous, then each effort became easier. It was a delightful experience getting to know this sweet retired couple! Then when she suddenly passed away, we now have a widow-neighbor, and I think about another call on our life to help take care of those in need, so I’m grateful to have the relational equity.
In expanding beyond my street, when I walk the greenway I go first, share a smile with local-neighbors, cheerfully say, “Hello! Good morning!” and of course I pet every dog (my fave neighbor, haha!). However I’ve started noticing how people avoid the simple gesture of eye contact, much less offering back a “hello”.
The reality is we live in a busy-ear-buds-heads-down-in-our-phone world, so I will continue to “go first” in genuine physical efforts of hospitality, loving ALL-neighbors and praying God continues to equip me to serve as a vessel of His Love to touch lives of those who need some love & light in their world.
Haha, I just commented that I love my earbuds, don’t look self! Don’t look- won’t have to talk!
Ha! I totally get it – lately I’m always busy running thru the airport with earbuds. Most days we are all doing the best we can… thankfully plenty of love to go around
Thank you for your honesty from your unique perspective and for sharing the practical steps you have taken to go first. Love requires physical effort and strength. Go first. I LOVE that and will carry that with me. Thank you.
Thank you for taking time to comment, Lara, means a lot! Not new to SRT but new to posting … my enthusiasm seems to come out in a lot of words haha!
keep up the commenting when you can, PTB. Sharing our thoughts, insights and experiences work to grow all of us in our faith – and remind us that we are more alike than different.
Thank You, Scarlet!! “I don’t consider hospitality to be a natural gift of mine, but being loved by people like Mary and Wes is a master class in loving well. It makes me want to love them back. And it’s the same with Jesus—we love because He so loved! Because He showed us mercy, we are able to be merciful. Because He welcomed us into His family, we can welcome others. Mary and Wes aren’t sinless superheroes. Neither am I. Neither are you. But Jesus’s love equips us. Because He shouldered the burden of a broken world, defeating what we couldn’t and accomplishing what we didn’t, we have seen true love. In Jesus, we know what love looks like. In Jesus, we know what love feels like. Through Jesus, we can share what we have with others.”
I needed this encouragement!! ♥️
I don’t have to be “like anyone else”… I just need to use the gifts I’ve received!! ♥️
I’m so glad you share your gifts with me!
This morning has made me laugh. I too would have been a bit freaked out by that amount of attention from from Mary and Wes. But it got me thinking. In their abundant welcome to Scarlet and her family they made them feel they belonged. The sense of belonging is so powerful. In God’s abundant love He welcomes us into His family. He says you belong.
Yes, Vicki!
Acceptance + Belonging =
Children of God + Heirs to the Kingdom!
“You owe each other nothing except to love one another.” That hit me this morning. Love takes work and it takes laying yourself down for the sake of others. It would be much easier to just tithe at church and walk out, but investing and loving others (even those reallllllly difficult people???) is a much bigger commitment.
I have to run out this morning, but I think this is interesting. From Vines Expository Bible – a note on Ephesians 6:2. To me, it gives another look at the Good Samaritan parable particularly the one who crossed to the other side. I never thought about that as deeply before.
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“Paul is referring to a Christian falling victim to an overpowering, sudden temptation. The term trespass literally means “to fall beside.” It refers to falling from walking in the right path (see 5:25). Indeed, sometimes Christians get involved in sin before they realize what they are doing. Sin is not planned; instead, a sudden, tempting impulse hits, and sin is the result. Whether it is the devil’s active work, or the Christian’s passive neglect of soul duties such as prayer, Bible study, worship, and witnessing that remains the culprit, the consequence is the same—spiritual waywardness.”
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Have a blessed study time! ❤
This is really good CEE GEE. There is a subtle lurking temptation to do nothing, to simply walk by (even to the priesthoods, pastors/Levite lines), the temptation to shut our eyes to the needs of the hurting people around us. The Bible talks about the SIN of doing nothing (James 4:17: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin”). The Samaritan didn’t have to pray 3 times for confirmation, or demand a sign from Heaven to do good, he saw the need and immediately got busy to answer that need. Thank you for this reminder!❤️
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Lord open my eyes to see whom I need to make room and space for in my home. Let me show your love to others!
My prayer as well.
I think it’s such an interesting idea that we are charged to love our neighbor as ourselves, right? Today society expects us to love our neighbor how our neighbor wants to be loved, but that isn’t what we are directly charged with…true, biblical love is different than the love of this world…it’s a half-baked thought, but something to chew on.
Jesus, please help me to fully form this idea and to understand your charge so that I can better fulfill it. Amen.
Keep baking! It’s a great thought
You all are my neighbors. I’ve been a part of this community for years and have only commented maybe twice. Even though we are far apart geographically we are still neighbors. I feel like I know you. I’ve prayed for you laughed with you and I would venture to even loved you. So much so that if I get a late start I scroll to this part of the morning for comments to be with my people. Anyway I said all that to say sometimes neighbors come from unknown situations. Have a great day ladies!
❤️, me too!
Love this Kelda!! So glad your here with us and praying. Let us know we can be praying for you.
Dear Kelda
Words so true!
Heart so pure!
I love how the man responds that the neighbor was the one who showed him mercy. I want to get better at serving my neighbor. More than that, I want to have a true heart of mercy for the people around me.
“In Jesus, we know what love feels like. Through Jesus, we can share what we have with others.” — This just makes me want to pour out the love!!
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My husband, Jeff pastors a small church in NJ. For years, every Sunday we would invite someone from our congregation in to share in our Sunday dinner (which was actually our lunchtime meal). Then COVID hit and everything came to a halt! …It’s been quite awhile since COVID, but for some reason it’s been hard to get back into the swing of inviting.
Today’s devotional has prompted me to get back to inviting others on Sunday!
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Loving all the comments this week – especially seeing new names!
Praying for all your requests. Have a blessed Tuesday!
Sharon what a blessing that must have been to those who were invited. And what a great way to get to know the congregation better!
Yes Searching I too feel the scratch of the itchy sweater but for different reasons. In the last couple of months I’ve come to see unhealthy patterns in the way my immediate family interacts and have interacted this way for many years. I know it needs to change and now Making Room reminds me to be loving. Ouch. The one thing that stood out to me in the scriptures was it starts with God’s love. I need to let His love in more so in turn I can show that love to others. If I let His love fill me then I can show that same love.
❤️
I hear ya, DANIELLE. I do a lot of praying (for them and me!) and biting my tongue in many of those situations.
So true Searching! I’ve been leaning into praying more. In fact after a conversation with a friend, I started to pray for the person God will use in my sister’s life to bring her back to faith. Actually, both of your actions are ways of loving.
“And who is my neighbor?”— this question is so significant especially if we want to challenge our own ideas of hospitality. It challenges me to think beyond my immediate circles and consider how I (and my family) can extend kindness, compassion, and care to those who may not look, think, or live like us. How can I make room in my heart and live for others, especially those who may be overlooked or in need? This question is making me reflect and brings me back to what the man asked Jesus— “do I really understand my community?”
amen
This is is exactly what I am striving for; to be the love of Jesus to people. Thank you for the encouraging words about Wes and Mary.
Father show me who to open my heart and home to. Guide me to obedience. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen
So beautiful pints Tina! And furthermore, my understanding is that Samaritans were despised by Jews, making this neighbor in Luke seemingly more difficult to love.
I also think of our neighbor, Mexico, how are we welcoming or not welcoming from one country to another?
When reading about the priest who saw the beaten man and “passed by in the other side” I have to ask myself how often do I just pass people by? Whether it’s avoiding catching someone’s eye because I don’t want to get caught up talking to them, dismissing a student because we have “work to do”, or even not wanting to give an ear to my husband at the end of a long day, and so on, I am guilty of this. I pray to be more intentional today and more aware of those around me.
Aww.. I am guilty of this too. Thanks Tami for sharing. I hope Chela did well on her midterm.
I spotted several new names and first timers yesterday- welcome! This is an awesome community of Christ-loving sisters.
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Just gonna say it out loud. Only two days into this study and I’m already so uncomfortable that I almost feel like I’m wearing an itchy sweater. Not going to quit, though. I mentioned yesterday that I was a loner, maybe more so than I thought, and my husband … I’m a social butterfly compared to him :). Lots to think about.
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Thinking about neighbors reminds me of a conversation about 20 years ago or longer with a guy that came into my office and announced that he was my next door neighbor! Puzzled (because our house is on a corner and all woods on the other side), I asked him where he lived. When he told me, I had to agree with him … his was the next house to us, about 1/2 mile away :)
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Prayer request – today or at least 1 day this week, I’m taking one of the Advent study books and a Bible to someone who worked (hopeful she still does) in a care facility that a relative was in for a short while. She had mentioned to me in conversation one day that she had been thinking about possibly going to church – never had been to a service. I encouraged her with some suggestions and don’t know what she decided to do but feel led to do this. Praying for the right words and that she will be receptive.
Searching, I get it. I’m wearing that itchy sweater too. Lol. Only difference is my husband is an extrovert and has a gift with people. He can make friends with a rock. He started going to the same gym that I had been going to for years. I knew some people but after a few weeks he knew everyone and worked the room like a master. I imagine people saying, isn’t rich such an amazing guy? His wife, ehhh.” Lol. It’s not that I don’t want to be social but I’m more introverted than he is. I have had to stop comparing myself to him and always feeling like I fall short in the social arena.
Praying for you Searching. May God give you just the right words. I’ve learned that if the Spirit is leading me to do something – do it! Pray for her heart before bringing it to her, God will do the rest. ❤️
Because He showed us mercy, we are able to be merciful.
I’ve been thinking a lot about mercy lately. I have had to give mercy to several people in my life in the last few years, and through that experience, it showed me that I am actually not a very merciful person. At least I didn’t used to be. I was pretty much a “you are nice to me and I’ll be nice to you” kind of person. I was forced to change with my husband’s confession of an affair. I had to examine myself and decide if I was willing to be merciful or blow up the whole marriage. It was a growing experience for me to say the least. God got me there and I eventually chose mercy and forgiveness. But it took awhile for my heart to change. God had to get me to the point where I recognized my own ugly sin and recognize the mercy He showed me. That was the catalyst for change for my stubborn heart. Since then, God has required me to be merciful in other situations. I have become better at it. More willing to let go and just love. To not hold a grudge. To not expect payback. To just love. I am thankful that God grew me in this way, but growing pains can be very well, painful. Lots of painful experiences. But through that pain I am better equipped to love my neighbor, whomever that may be.
Thank you once again Laura for sharing your story.
❤️ this and me too!
I’m thrilled Mary and Wes’s efforts ministered to Scarlett and her family. God knew what would speak His love to her. Gonna be honest, though, Scarlett’s new friends seemed a bit creepy to me.
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Which brings me to question my roll in ACCEPTING the hospitality of others as an act of making room…
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Welcome to the first timers, whether you left a comment or not yesterday.
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ERB – are you with us in this study? Just checking in with you.
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HEIDI – hope your school schedule is wrapping up and you can join us for Advent.
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MERCY – how is school going for your daughter? Is she still with the original teacher or did you get her transferred?
lol Kelly. I probably would’ve been creeped out by them too! A little too much too soon. But this is kind of a sad way to think. In Jesus’s time, this type of hospitality would have been normal but for us it is suspect? It’s almost like we expect people not to be hospitable to us.
KELLY, sister, we are like-minded on the new friends! As I was reading, I was backing away from my screen, thinking … that’s a little too much friendliness. As you said, God knew what would speak to them. ❤️
I agree Kelly, I kind of had creepy feelings too. But it is great that Scarlet and her husband felt loved by it. I think my prayer is going to be loving people in a way that makes them feel loved. I love how this study is making me think. I have always thought my husband and i are hospitable. But are we meeting people where they are at and with what they need? Things to pray and work on.
My initial response was the same but I’m almost independent to a fault.
Thank you Kelly for checking. She is with the original teacher since the principal didn’t allow the switch. I was praying a lot for her, and for the teacher. Then I got to meet him at the parent teacher conference, one on one. I got to know him more. That put my mind at ease- praise God for that opportunity. He is a wonderful teacher, he is young but trying very hard. I got to hear his background story and listened between the lines. I came back and asked God for forgiveness since it felt like I rejected him when wanting to switch her out of his classroom. Now I knew why God orchestrated all this to happen, so I can bless him, his struggling family and encourage him.
Mercy that is beautiful! I’m happy to hear of this resolution.
❤️
I thought the same…lol! Too much way to soon for me.
❤️ to all of you who responded! Mercy so glad to hear of the change of heart.
❤️
I think you would love “The Gospel comes with a House Key” by Rosaria Butterfield
ALICEV recommended this same book yesterday … ☺️
It’s so good! (And convicting)
Please pray for me to be more like Jesus. To show love to my coworkers and neighbors. Family is easy for me to love but others is scary for me :/
It can be the same for me. I am praying that we all here will remember that God loves us and takes time for us. We indeed need to do the same for others.
Have a blessed day Teresa!
Start small with eye contact and a smile
You’ll be suprised how much of a difference just that makes.
Thank you, KELLY, I’m going to give it a try. Currently, I excel at eye contact avoidance:/
SCARLET, would you like to do a house swap?
OMG, I love Mary and Wes!❤ I want to live next to them!!❤
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The man in the Luke verse asks “And who is my neighbour..?
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That so is, a good question. I mean, I looked up neighbour in the dictionary..
A person living near or next door to the speaker of person referred to.
Interesting, we normally think of the people who ‘live’ in our proximity as our neighbour..
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BUT GOD..
He reminds us, in the verse..
“Love you neighbour as thyself” that we are all neighbours in one way or another.. The bigger picture is not only the ‘living close’ but also the standing close, the sitting close, on the bus, the train, the aeroplane, doctors Surgery, Sunday service, watching the game, work colleagues, those that are hard to call neighbour, let alone, love! The list goes on! Anyone in your proximity is in God’s eyes, your neighbour!
As I write a writing,, literally, I saw in my mind, two friends meeting by chance on a busy high street. There is an exchange of hugs, love and words..then I heard in my inner mind.. “The person lower down, the one sitting on the ground, is also your neighbour and my mind wonders down to the beggar that is also in the picture, but I had passed over to see the happier scene..” My heart races now at that image..
How often in real life do I do that…?
Neighbours aren’t always those we know, they can also be the people on the streets! The invisible ones, the ones not on our radar, the one that don’t quite make the ‘club’
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Yesterday, I was reminded, in Raechels
devotional, that Jesus made room for me. Who am I then, not to make room for ALL I meet?
I have been shown love in ways I could never imagine, why not share this overflowing gift with others, no matter who, what or from what walk of life they come..
I can only do that ‘loving the neighbour’ seriously though, if I have a relationship with God. If..
I love the Lord my God, with ALL my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength, and with all my mind..
I can not do it in my own strength, some are easy, some not so easy, some nigh-on impossible..
BUT GOD..
He gives the strength, the grace, the wisdom to love as He has loved nd continues to love us.
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AMEN.
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Happy Tuesday, my loves.. Be blessed!❤
Such a beautiful (and convicting!!) reminder this morning Tina. Thank you.
May it be so of us today and every day.
Amen.
So good. Thank you for sharing, Tina.
LOL at
“SCARLET, would you like to do a house swap?
OMG, I love Mary and Wes!❤ I want to live next to them!!❤”
❤️
Agree, KELLY. I needed to smile this morning and TINA came through :)
Love this (and you!) TINA, thank you! ❤️
Amen❤️
Thank You Tina! ❤️
Yesss our neighbor is everywhere around around us! We tend to rush instead of paying attention to others. I know it comes naturally for me to speak to everyone everywhere I go. Some I pay closer attention to because the way they look or how they responded. Then I get more of them. My Walmart associates. My Starbucks baristas. The individuals we serve at the food pantry. My Wawa associates. I get to know them more and more as I check on them. It throws them off at first but it’s appreciated. It makes my heart happy to see them as if to say “Someone hears me.” I love them all❤️
Latrilla, as someone who manages a small coffee shop in my community with a younger staff from all different backgrounds and belief systems, THANK YOU for taking the time to get to know those around you that are in service roles. It is so often that they can be overlooked or deemed “unimportant.” We are so blessed that our shop has some incredible regulars that also demonstrate this type of love to our team, and I can truly attest that it makes a HUGE difference in their lives, and then they in turn can serve others in the same way. Thank you!!
Good words, Tina!
Thanks for sharing ❤️
The bigger picture is not only the ‘living close’ but also the standing close ..WOW. Thank you Tina. We are neighbors to those who we choose to stand close. You always make me tear up. Thank you so much dear Tina.
Amen