1Corinthians 12:13-14, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.”
Our Church’s advice to members says, "Show love and fellowship to everyone without partiality. Don't wait for others to greet you but you greet them. Show special courtesy to strangers who may attend one of your services." This is not just “advice,” it is sound biblical instruction.
The first part of these instructions seem to be talking about how we treat those we normally fellowship with at church and church functions. We should show kindness to everyone we come into contact with, not just to the ones we “like the best.” We should not be partial (show favoritism) to some and snub others. The last part of this advice speaks directly to how we treat visitors, strangers that come to church. Have you ever been somewhere new, not known anyone, and no one greeted you or made you feel welcome? If so, you know that it is embarrassing and may cause the visitor never to return.
James 2:2-4, 8-9, “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?…If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”
It reminds me of the words to a song by Casting Crowns…a song called “If we are the Body.” It says, “It's crowded in worship today as she slips in, trying to fade into the faces. The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know, farther than they know…But if we are the Body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? And if we are the Body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way. A traveler is far away from home. He sheds his coat, and quietly sinks into the back row. The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances are better out on the road…But if we are the Body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? And if we are the Body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way. Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come. And we are the Body of Christ…But if we are the Body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? And if we are the Body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way.”
These two instances (of the girl and the traveler in the song) are perfect examples of the WRONG way Christians sometimes act. Do we sometimes wonder why visitors do not come back, why some have less and less in church attendance? Is an examination of our own attitudes in order so that we can consider how we treat others?
Consider these questions… Do you sit while someone tries to find a seat…or do you make your way over in assistance? Do you greet others or do you stare? Do you include others in your conversations or ignore them as you laugh among yourselves? Ouch! We should all consider our behavior in this area.
In the song earlier, we saw how the two were treated, not only were they not welcomed, but they were even humiliated. Instead of looking at someone and thinking about all the things they have wrong, let’s start looking at the possibilities…Each one of us was once a sinner…we came to Christ as a sinner, He was welcoming to us just as we were…He cleaned us up and made a new creature, set us on a new path. Shouldn't others have the same opportunity? Can’t we love others as Christ loved us? This is a commandment. God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die for us, for our sins. Jesus loved us so much that He obeyed and was crucified for us. The very least we should do is love others.
1Peter 3:8, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”
It is a simple requirement to be welcoming, caring, loving, patient, and kind to all visitors and members the same.
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