Lets be friendly

by Waymaker Fri 10 May 2013, 7:41 am

Waymaker: Daily Bread; Posts : 470
Join date : 2012-12-27
Location : Conroe TX

Post n°1

Lets be friendly

by Waymaker Fri 10 May 2013, 7:41 am

Making others feel
loved and valued is a hallmark of discipleship (John 13:34-35).
Welcoming newcomers was important in the early church, and it’s
just as important today. Social customs may change, but God’s Word
doesn’t. Jesus said, ‘Anyone who receives you receives me…’
(Matthew 10:40 NLT). As a follower of Christ it’s your job to make
new people feel like part of ‘the household of faith’ (Galatians
6:10). Established friendships within churches can easily become
religious cliques where we smile and speak to newcomers, but spend
all our time with a select group of people we already know. Most of
us are satisfied with our existing circle of friends, so we need to
be looking for ways to include others. People come to church hoping
for love and acceptance, and if they don’t find it within a month
or two they move on. So keep your spiritual antennae tuned to people
who seem uncomfortable and out of place. Most people have had at
least one negative experience in church, so they need some extra
T.L.C. (Tender Loving Care). The Bible says, ‘Carry each others
burdens…’ (Galatians 6:2 NIV). Genuine warmth and caring attract
people. First impressions count. Church should be a place where our
love for people who are hurting is evident from the minute they walk
in the door. And remember, God doesn’t just use these relationships
to meet the needs of those coming out of difficult situations—He
uses them to mature us too.