I'm so glad you are here!

Leviticus 19:32-37 (MSG)

  "Show respect to the aged; honor the presence of an elder; fear your God. I am GOD. 

  "When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don't take advantage of him. 
  Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners in Egypt. I am GOD, your God. 
  "Don't cheat when measuring length, weight, or quantity. 
  Use honest scales and weights and measures. I am GOD, your God. I brought you out of Egypt. 
  "Keep all my decrees and all my laws. Yes, do them. I am GOD."

Would you say that hospitality is common courtesy?  Is a fair way to describe extending hospitality, as treating others the way we want to be treated? Think about it. Have you ever visited someplace and felt like an intruder? Have you ever wanted to be accepted at a function, but left with a feeling of rejection?

If a stranger knocks on the door, do we invite him inside? Probably not right away. But, when someone has been invited and is expected, the greeting is warm and friendly. There is an expectation that someone cares. Does the same apply to our hospitality at church? 

Scripture encourages us to treat foreigners the same as a native. Do you remember the first day you walked through the doors of your church? Were you a little intimidated by the new surroundings? Did you think twice before pulling into the parking lot? Remember that you were once foreigners...

Hospitality has kingdom consequences. It matters how we greet someone whether at the front door of your church, in the parking lot or classroom. When l can tell you are glad I came, I might return. 

We hear it said, 'feelings aren't facts'. But, where visitors or guests are concerned, feelings or perceptions are all they have to go on. When Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two he told them to look for people who would welcome them.  If they didn't feel a welcoming peace, He instructed them to turn around and leave. 

Guests who walk through the doors of a church on any given Sunday are looking for that same welcome, or they too, will turn right around and leave. Kingdom consequences...

  

Leviticus 19:32-37