Holy Spirit, help me truly welcome others ...

 
Romans 15:4-9
                                         
“You’re welcome,” rolls off my tongue far too easily, often despite hidden resentments –because of time lost from the day’s agenda, an interruption of an otherwise peaceful day, or the introduction of ‘negativity’ into an otherwise blissfully happy day . To truly welcome in the sense of Christ Jesus’ welcome is to open my heart to not ‘the other’, but to another child of God by the Grace and Truth of God’s Holy Spirit. To truly welcome another man, woman or child is to honestly say in my heart, “You have well come into my life at this moment! I acknowledge the good and holy gift that you are by the truth and grace of God that dwells in you. I am thankful that our paths have crossed.” When someone knocks at my door, calls at an inconvenient time, approaches me at church or in the street, asks me for an awkward favour, or simply acknowledges me with their eyes, will I voice a flippant ‘You’re welcome,’ but harbour sentiments of indifference or resentment? Or will I truly give thanks for each individual who crosses my path and whole heartedly say, “You are well-come,” because they are gift for me, as perhaps I am for them?  Holy Spirit help me truly welcome others.            
                                                                              
He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear... Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loin.  (Is 11:3,5)
 
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
Emily S. Elliot, 1864
 
See My Heart Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger in PDF here:  https://www.usna.edu/Navigators/_files/documents/MHCH.pdf
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei