A Wider Circle of Welcome
My dear son,
It is good to share smiles with people who are happy to see you. I would love for that warmth to reach a little beyond the familiar few, too. People you do not yet know are precious within my love.
A greeting can be an act of love when you offer it without calculating what kind of answer you will receive. As you come to know the love I give, may you learn to value those outside your usual circle.
Tonight, you might picture someone you would like to greet warmly. Ask me for a heart that can be kind to people whose lives look different from yours. It brings me joy to watch that generosity of heart grow in you.
With all my love,
Your Father
Matthew 5:46–48
WEB46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?
47If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?
48Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
A short reflection
Jesus calls people beyond loving those who love them and greeting only their own group, concluding with the command to be perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter