Open or exclusive?
How open are we to engaging others?
How intentional are we to building new friendships?
How willing are we to allowing people into our time and space?
Jesus was a master at turning interruptions into opportunities. People interrupted him all the time, intruding upon his agenda and events with their own needs. Yet Jesus responded in grace and love, using it as a moment for that person to discover God in their situation, need, or crisis.
We are called to hold in high value the call to relate well with people. Peter Scazzero calls it "practicing the presence of people". Whether it's us opening our homes and lives to allow them in, or going out and intentionally cultivating a relationship with them, Jesus says that people are at the center of God's gracious heart.
We are his beloved. He cherishes us, and delights in our spiritual growth and development. He wants us to blossom as followers of Christ to someday be living "on all cylinders" fully engaged and dialed into His purposes. Living in healthy Biblical community is the key way for us to move down that pathway to live in that kind of connectedness - both with Him as well as with each other.
Posted by Ned at October 26, 2011 8:00 AM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: community welcome invite exclusive
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: community welcome invite exclusive
I am great at it sometimes and I stink at it others. Great stuff.
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I hear ya, Rob. It's the daily challenge of following Jesus where it mattes most. Thanks for posting!
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